Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has pushed back against remarks by US President Donald Trump, who claimed she had “begged” to take photos with him during the G7 summit.
Trump repeated the allegation in a post on his Truth Social account, linking Meloni’s standing in Italy to her refusal to back US efforts aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Responding publicly, Meloni said the continued attacks “without provocation” were meaningless. She added that being Trump’s friend had not helped her influence.
Meloni said her influence depends on her ability to protect Italy’s national interests, which she said she has consistently done. She also referred to Italy’s position on US military bases in the country, stating that as long as she remains prime minister, the agreements cannot be violated.
