United States President Donald Trump has intensified a public dispute with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, claiming she repeatedly sought photographs with him during the recent G7 summit and accusing her of attempting to improve her domestic standing after disagreements over Iran policy.
The latest exchange marks a sharp deterioration in relations between two leaders who had previously been viewed as close political allies.
Trump made the remarks in a social media post on Saturday, days after first alleging that Meloni had sought a photo opportunity with him at the summit in France.
Meloni has rejected the claims and described them as unfounded.
Trump said Meloni asked “over and over” for a photograph during the G7 gathering.
He also argued that Italy had failed to support U.S. actions related to Iran and suggested that Meloni was seeking to rebuild ties with Washington following recent tensions.
In the same post, Trump renewed criticism of NATO allies, arguing that the United States spends heavily on their defense.
The comments expanded on remarks he had made earlier in an interview with Italian media, where he claimed Meloni had “begged” for a picture during the summit.
Meloni responded by calling the allegation “completely fabricated” and later dismissed Trump’s continued criticism.
She said, “President Trump, these constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless.”
Meloni added that her political standing depended on defending Italy’s national interests rather than her relationship with the U.S. president.
The dispute has also centered on policy differences connected to the conflict involving Iran.
Trump criticized Italy for not providing greater cooperation during the period of military tensions and questioned the support offered by NATO partners.
Italy has maintained that any use of its military facilities for offensive operations would require parliamentary approval.
The disagreement has triggered a broader political response in Rome.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned visit to the United States, describing Trump’s remarks toward Meloni as offensive.
Meloni has also questioned why Trump appeared more confrontational toward allies than toward some of the West’s adversaries.
The exchange contrasts with earlier statements from the Italian leader after the G7 summit, when she said relations among leaders had been positive and free of friction.
The latest public confrontation suggests those ties have continued to deteriorate amid broader disagreements over Iran and transatlantic cooperation.