Meloni Rejects Trump's G7 Photo Claim as Made Up, Deepening Rift Before 2027 Vote
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 1
Meloni Rejects Trump's G7 Photo Claim as Made Up, Deepening Rift Before 2027 Vote
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 1
Summary
Giorgia Meloni said Donald Trump's claim that she “begged” for a photo at the G7 was “made up,” adding in a video message: “I do not beg, nor does Italy.”
Trump had revived the dispute by telling Italian TV and then posting on Truth Social that Meloni wanted the picture to lift sagging approval ratings after failing to back the US war on Iran.
Antonio Tajani canceled plans to attend a US-Italy business forum in Miami, though he still plans to join a July 3 US Independence Day event in Rome as both sides try to contain the fallout.
The clash lands as Meloni faces pressure before an election due by 2027 at the latest, with polls pointing to coalition weakness and a new hard-right rival, National Future, gaining support.
Breaking with Trump could still help her politically in Italy, where he is unpopular, while also letting her recast herself within the European right as less subordinate to Washington.