Trump-Meloni Rift Exposed Amid G7 Summit Tensions

A growing discord between former President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emerged publicly following the G7 summit. The rupture highlights developing tensions between two leaders who were once viewed as close political allies. Meloni had been considered one of Trump’s closest allies on the global stage.

Meloni openly criticized Trump’s claims, stating, “Donald Trump’s statements are completely made up. I am frankly astonished.” She expressed confusion about Trump’s actions towards allies, according to Reuters. This was not the first instance of such behavior, Meloni pointed out.

Trump had alleged to an Italian news outlet that Meloni had “begged” him for a photo during the G7. The statement provoked a strong response from Meloni and Italian diplomats. Before this incident, Meloni was regarded as a staunch supporter of Trump.

“She wanted a picture with me so badly. I wouldn’t have taken it, but I felt sorry for her,” Trump told La7 TV channel. “She’s probably happy I talked to her. I didn’t have to talk to her.”

Meloni retorted, expressing disappointment that Trump did not show equivalent strong resolve against perceived adversaries of the West and the United States.

She added, “There is one thing he should remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg.” Representatives from Meloni’s office declined to comment further to Fox News Digital, and the White House was also approached for comment.

Recently, tensions have escalated as Meloni distanced herself from the U.S. due to increasing domestic and political pressures related to the Middle East conflict. Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled his U.S. visit following Trump’s remarks regarding the photo.

Tajani condemned Trump’s comments as serious and insulting to Prime Minister Meloni and all of Italy, leading to his decision to cancel his visit set for June 21 and 22. Tajani was supposed to attend the Italy–U.S. Business, Investment, Science and Innovation Forum in Miami, Florida. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to speak at the conference.

Earlier, Rubio visited Italy to mend tensions with Meloni and Pope Leo XIV. Meanwhile, Trump called on global leaders to engage more actively in the Iran conflict, but Meloni opted to remain sidelined, revealing an emerging divide.

Meloni has previously opposed reducing the U.S. military presence in Italy, which contrasts with Trump’s ambitions of repositioning American forces in Europe. Italy hosts nearly 13,000 active-duty American troops across six bases as of late 2025, maintaining its role as a critical U.S. security hub in Europe.

Fox News Digital’s Courtney Walsh, Reuters, and Ashley J. DiMella have all contributed to this report.