A simmering dispute over a photograph at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains has ignited a fierce diplomatic battle between U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, dragging in the NATO alliance and the recent war against Iran.
The clash, which has seen insults traded across the Atlantic, marks the sudden collapse of what was once regarded as a close ideological partnership between the two right-wing leaders.
Trump’s version: A request made 'over and over'
In an interview with the Italian private channel La7 after the June 15-17 summit, Trump said Meloni had repeatedly asked him for a photo. “She wanted so much a photo with me,” Trump claimed. “I didn’t want to do it, but I felt sorry for her.” The remarks, dubbed into Italian for broadcast, quickly spread and drew a sharp response from Rome.
Meloni hits back: 'Italy does not beg'
Within hours, Meloni posted a video on Instagram directly rejecting Trump’s account. She called his story “completely unfounded” and insisted the Italian government maintains its dignity.
Italy and I do not beg.Giorgia Meloni, Italian Prime Minister
The prime minister’s blunt rebuttal was followed by the cancellation of a planned trip to the United States by Italy’s foreign minister, a move widely seen as a deliberate diplomatic snub.
Trump escalates with security accusations
On Saturday, June 20, Trump doubled down on his Truth Social platform, according to Axios. He again claimed Meloni asked “over and over” for a photo, then broadened the attack by accusing Italy of refusing to allow U.S. forces to use Italian runways during the war against Iran.
“Italy denied the United States the use of its runways and launch pads during our joint war against Iran — a huge logistical hardship — and this, despite the fact that the United States spends hundreds of billions of dollars every year protecting Italy and other so-called NATO allies,” Trump wrote. “Now, after the United States has militarily defeated Iran, she wants to be friends again to boost her poll numbers. No, thanks!!!”
Meloni calls attacks 'senseless'
Meloni responded with a written statement calling Trump’s “constant, baseless attacks” senseless. She stressed that Italy would not allow its sovereignty or dignity to be compromised and had no intention of forcing a friendship.
The public spat has laid bare the depth of the rift between the two countries, which had been seen as firm allies under the leaders’ shared conservative agenda. Trump had welcomed Meloni to the White House with warm words in April 2025, but the G7 incident has revealed fundamental disagreements over NATO contributions and military strategy, as reported by the Associated Press.
With neither side backing down, the episode raises questions about the future of transatlantic cooperation and whether the personal relationship between Trump and Meloni can be repaired.
