Trump Fires Back at Italy’s Meloni Over G7 Photo Claim

Sat Jun 20 2026 16:06:54 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Former US president Trump defends himself, firing at Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni over a disputed photo request at the G7 summit.

After a caption on Truth Social, Donald Trump accused Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of repeatedly begging for a photograph with him at the G7 summit, sparking a tense exchange between the two leaders. Trump also alleged that Meloni blocked US military flights for operations against Iran, citing Italy’s denial of U.S. aircraft landing rights at Sicily. Meloni responded on Instagram, calling the story "unacceptable" and reminding that neither she nor Italy ever beg. The dispute, part of a broader fraying relationship since America’s missile strike on Iran, highlights the challenges of diplomatic relations in a volatile world

US President Donald Trump fired back at Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after a post on Truth Social claimed Meloni had repeatedly begged him for a photo together at the G7 summit in Evian, France.

In the same post, Trump accused the Italian leader of obstructing US military logistics, saying she denied U.S. aircraft the use of Italian air bases for operations against Iran.

Meloni, who was photographed standing shoulder‑to‑shoulder with Trump at the G7, responded on Instagram stating she was stunned and that neither she nor Italy ever "beg". She also mentioned the two have a close rapport, having attended Trump’s inauguration together.

The exchange has widened a growing rift that began after Trump’s missile strike on Iran and the subsequent denial of U.S. aircraft landing rights by Sicily.

Social media buzz: Trump’s claims reflect a pattern of confrontational rhetoric—most recently when he criticized Pope Francis and other West allies. Meloni’s calm reply has been met with criticism from some Italian lawmakers.