Trump Repeats Claim Over Meloni Photo Request Amid Political Row
(MENAFN) A diplomatic spat has intensified between US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after Trump repeated claims that Meloni sought repeated photo opportunities with him to improve her domestic standing.
The exchange followed comments made by Trump during a phone interview with Italian broadcaster La7, in which he alleged that Meloni “begged” for a photo with him during the G7 summit in Evian, France, and that he agreed “out of pity.” Meloni rejected the remarks, describing them as “completely fabricated,” according to reports.
Despite her denial, Trump reiterated his position in a post on Truth Social on Saturday, insisting that she had requested photographs “over and over.” He further claimed that Meloni’s popularity in Italy was declining, suggesting it may be linked to her refusal to align more closely with US policy on Iran. He also accused Italy of creating “a great logistical inconvenience” for Washington, while adding: “Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again in order to get her ‘numbers up.’ No thanks.”
Meloni responded by pushing back against the criticism, stating that her relationship with Trump had not benefited her politically and emphasizing that her approval at home is based on her “ability to defend Italy’s national interests,” according to reports.
The exchange followed comments made by Trump during a phone interview with Italian broadcaster La7, in which he alleged that Meloni “begged” for a photo with him during the G7 summit in Evian, France, and that he agreed “out of pity.” Meloni rejected the remarks, describing them as “completely fabricated,” according to reports.
Despite her denial, Trump reiterated his position in a post on Truth Social on Saturday, insisting that she had requested photographs “over and over.” He further claimed that Meloni’s popularity in Italy was declining, suggesting it may be linked to her refusal to align more closely with US policy on Iran. He also accused Italy of creating “a great logistical inconvenience” for Washington, while adding: “Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again in order to get her ‘numbers up.’ No thanks.”
Meloni responded by pushing back against the criticism, stating that her relationship with Trump had not benefited her politically and emphasizing that her approval at home is based on her “ability to defend Italy’s national interests,” according to reports.
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