Meloni Gives Sharp Reply to Trump’s Comment
Meloni described Trump’s statements as 'completely fabricated' and expressed disappointment over his behaviour towards allies.
Meloni reminded everyone of Italian pride and said, 'Neither I nor Italy have ever begged.'
This public spat between Trump and Meloni highlights a significant strain in their relationship. Earlier, during the G7 summit in France, their relations appeared to be improving, but tensions had arisen earlier this year over differences regarding the Iran conflict.
Trump, in an interview with Italian TV channel La7, claimed that Meloni was 'perhaps happy' that he spoke to her at the summit. He said, 'Maybe she is happy that I spoke to her. I didn’t need to speak to her.'
Trump further claimed that Meloni had requested a photo with him. According to La7, Trump said, 'She asked me to take a photo with her. She was very eager to take a photo with me. I don’t take photos, but I felt sorry for her.'
On Friday, Meloni rejected Trump’s claims outright and accused him of fabricating stories.
Meloni said, 'Donald Trump’s statements are completely fabricated. I am truly surprised. I don’t understand why the President of the United States behaves this way with his allies, and this is not the first time.'
She criticised Trump for being soft towards the West’s adversaries. 'I can only say that it is disappointing that they do not show the same firmness towards the enemies of the West and America, while they are much softer with their leaders.'
Meloni ended her statement with a strong message for Trump: 'They should remember one thing — neither I nor Italy ever beg before anyone.'
Footage from the G7 summit showed Meloni and Trump engaged in a long conversation. Meloni was once one of Trump’s biggest supporters in Europe and attended his inauguration in 2025 as the only European leader present.
Relations between the two leaders cooled after Meloni criticised Trump’s attack on Pope Leo over his condemnation of the Iran conflict. After the war began, Meloni distanced herself from Trump’s stance, leading the US President to accuse her of lacking courage.
