Overview
- President Donald Trump told an Italian La7 correspondent on Friday that Giorgia Meloni “begged” him for a photo at the G7 in Evian, a remark that was recorded and widely reported.
- Hours after the call, Meloni posted a video from Brussels saying the claim was “totally invented” and asserting that neither she nor Italy ever begged for a photo.
- Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced he was canceling a scheduled U.S. visit on June 21–22, calling Trump’s words “grave and offensive” and saying they insult Italy.
- The incident follows earlier policy clashes over the U.S. request to use the Sigonella base for action against Iran and Trump’s past attacks on the Pope, which have already strained the leaders’ relationship.
- The public exchange turned a filmed, smiling G7 photo into a diplomatic flashpoint that could disrupt short-term bilateral meetings and will be watched for effects on NATO and G7 coordination.