'I And Italy Never Beg': Giorgia Meloni Slams Trump Over G7 Photo Claim

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni gestures as she arrives to attend a morning work meeting to "revive balanced, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth for the benefit of all" in the presence of the G7 countries, partner countries, the International Monetary Fund, and the OECD, as part of the G7 summit, in Evian, eastern France, on June 17, 2026. (Credit: Getty Images)

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni pushed back against President Donald Trump's claim that she had "begged" him for a photograph at the Group of Seven summit in France, calling the account "totally fabricated" and saying neither she nor Italy "beg." The exchange marked another public dispute between the two leaders, whose relationship has deteriorated amid disagreements over the Iran war and other foreign policy issues.

Trump made the remarks during an interview with Italian broadcaster La7 following the G7 gathering in Evian-les-Bains. He said Meloni "begged" him for a picture and claimed he agreed because he "felt sorry for her." In comments reported by NBC News, Meloni said she was "stunned" by the remarks and questioned why the U.S. president repeatedly treated allies in such a manner.