Key facts
- President Donald Trump insisted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni repeatedly asked for a photo at the G7 summit.
- Meloni previously denied Trump's claim, calling it fabricated.
- Trump criticized Italy's stance on denying Iran nuclear weapon development.
- Trump suggested Meloni's popularity is low in Italy.
- Trump claimed Meloni now seeks renewed friendship due to Italy's initial deal with Iran.
President Donald Trump has intensified a public dispute with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, insisting she repeatedly sought a photo at the G7 summit and criticizing Italy's cooperation on Iran nuclear policy. Trump stated on his social media platform that Meloni asked "over and over" for a picture during the summit in France, a claim Meloni had previously denied as "completely fabricated."
Trump also criticized Italy's alleged lack of cooperation with the United States regarding Iran's nuclear program, suggesting Meloni now seeks to mend relations after an initial deal between the U.S. and Iran to end the war. He linked Meloni's domestic popularity to these foreign policy issues.
The dispute began when Trump told Italian broadcaster La7 that Meloni had "begged" for a photo, a statement Meloni vehemently rejected. The public disagreement has strained relations between the two leaders.