Trump Criticizes Italian Prime Minister Meloni Over G7 Photo and Iran War Cooperation

WASHINGTON (AP) — On Saturday, President Donald Trump criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. He insisted she repeatedly asked for a photo with him at the recent Group of Seven (G7) summit. Trump also criticized Italy’s cooperation during the Iran war.

This adds tension following Trump’s interview with an Italian broadcaster where he claimed Meloni ‘begged’ for a photo during the G7 meeting in France. Meloni described this as ‘completely fabricated.’ Due to the disagreement, Italy’s foreign minister canceled a trip to the U.S., as Meloni’s government defended her.

During a working lunch with G7 and Middle Eastern leaders, Trump discussed the incident again. “Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asked, over and over, for a picture with me during the G-7 meeting in France,” Trump wrote on social media while at Camp David. He initially misspelled her name, but later corrected it. He claimed, “She is doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity. This might be because she declined U.S. efforts against Iran’s nuclear ambitions — just like NATO did.”

Meloni replied, stating the attacks were ‘senseless.’ She expressed that her popularity is tied to defending Italy’s national interests, not her relationship with Trump. On Instagram, she stated, “My popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours.”

Trump’s comments were aired on the La7 network. He was asked about Ukraine but mentioned Meloni and the photo situation. Trump stated he didn’t have to take the photo but did so out of sympathy.

Trump also raised issues about Meloni restricting U.S. use of Italy’s landing strips during the Iran war. He noted that, despite the U.S. leadership in NATO defense spending, Italy’s decision in March to deny American bombers a base in Sicily needed parliamentary approval. This decision mirrored constitutional constraints and domestic opposition.

Meloni stressed that using Italian bases for offensive operations required Parliamentary approval. Yet, Trump claimed Meloni “wants to be friends again” following the preliminary U.S.-Iran agreement to end the war.

Associated Press writer Silvia Stellacci in Rome contributed to this report.