Trump insists Meloni 'repeatedly' asked him for a photo at G7 summit; Italian PM responds

U.S. President Donald Trump insisted Saturday that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni "repeatedly" asked him for a photo during the G7 summit in France, adding he was not interested in improving relations with the Italian leader. Meloni, in response, called Trump's "constant and unprovoked attacks" senseless.

Trump posted on his Truth Social network that Meloni had asked multiple times for a picture together at the G7 meeting. He also criticized her performance in Italy, claiming her popularity is suffering. Trump accused Italy and other NATO allies of not providing military support during U.S. and Israeli airstrikes against Iran. "Now that the United States has militarily defeated Iran, she wants to be friends again to 'boost her numbers.' No, thank you!" he wrote.

Meloni replied on Instagram, stating Trump's attacks were "senseless." She added, "Regarding my popularity, being your friend certainly hasn't helped, nor does it depend on my relationship with you. My popularity is none of your business. I suggest you focus on your own popularity."

This exchange follows a previous incident where Trump claimed in a La7 interview that Meloni had "begged" him for a photo, expressing pity for her. Meloni had dismissed these claims as "completely invented" and expressed dismay at Trump's behavior toward allies. Tensions between the two leaders first surfaced in the spring when Trump criticized Pope Francis for his calls for peace in the Middle East, a stance Meloni supported.

“

Prim-ministrul italian Giorgia Meloni mi-a cerut, în repetate rânduri, să facem o poză împreună în timpul reuniunii G7 din Franța.