Trump Escalates Dispute With Giorgia Meloni Over G-7 Photo Claim and Iran Denial

United States President Donald Trump escalated his dispute with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni by claiming she “asked, over and over, for a picture with me during the G-7 meeting in France.”

Trump linked the row to Meloni’s stance on US efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining or developing a nuclear weapon, writing that she turned down the United States of America when it came to “denying Iran from obtaining or developing a Nuclear Weapon.”

Affaritaliani.it

In response, Meloni rebuked Trump’s latest remarks, saying, “my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours.”

The dispute also turned on Trump’s complaint that Italy would not allow US use of Italian landing strips or runways during the Iran conflict, which he described as “a great logistical inconvenience.”

Meloni told reporters that Trump’s criticisms were “unprovoked attacks,” and she dismissed the idea that her relationship with Trump was driving her standing in Italy.

She said, “As for my popularity, being your friend certainly has not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you,” while adding that her popularity depends on “my ability to defend Italy’s national interest.”

Al Jazeera

Trump’s latest post on Truth Social revived his earlier framing of the G7 moment, after he had told Italian broadcaster La7 that Meloni “begged” him for a picture and that he agreed only because he “felt sorry for her.”

Al Jazeera reported that Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelled a planned visit to the US, saying Trump’s “grave and offensive” words towards Meloni “offend the whole of Italy.”

Trump’s argument about defense access centered on Italy’s refusal to allow US military use of Italian bases during the Iran conflict, which he said created “significant logistical difficulties.”

Meloni countered that “the use of bases is strictly governed by pre-existing agreements that her government has consistently respected,” and she insisted, “Italy remains a sovereign nation.”

The row also included Trump’s claim that after the United States “defeated Iran militarily,” Meloni wanted to “be friends again in order to get her ‘numbers up.’ No thanks!!!,” as reported alongside his renewed photo allegation.

Il Sole 24 ORE framed the exchange as another jab from Trump after the Evian G7 back-and-forth, while noting that Meloni said, “I still believe in Western unity, and I do not think this is a show worthy of our task.”