Key facts
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that relations with the United States must return to normal following a public dispute with President Donald Trump.
- Meloni accused Trump of fabricating a story about her after he claimed she had "begged" him for a photo at a recent G7 summit.
- The dispute arose from Trump's criticism of Italy's defense spending and trade surplus with the U.S.
- Meloni's coalition partners have supported her stance, with the Italian Foreign Minister canceling a trip to the U.S.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called for a return to normal relations with the United States following a public dispute with President Donald Trump. Meloni stated in an interview that she does not intend to "keep fuelling this dispute." The falling out occurred last week when Meloni accused Trump of fabricating a story about her after the U.S. president told an Italian TV channel that she had "begged" him to take a photo with her at a recent G7 summit in France. Trump had previously criticized Italy's low defense spending and significant trade surplus with the U.S. Meloni's coalition partners have supported her response, with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceling a trip to the U.S. in reaction to Trump's comments. Opposition parties have criticized Meloni's reliance on a relationship with Trump, suggesting it highlights the risks of depending on an unpredictable Washington and advocating for stronger European alliances. Some analysts believe the public spat was necessary for Meloni to maintain her image of nationalist dignity, and despite the confrontation, Italy is not expected to abandon its strategic alignment with Washington.