Trump, Meloni Trade Fresh Blows Over G7 Photo and Iran Access Claim
Updated
Updated · abcnews.com · Jun 21
Trump, Meloni Trade Fresh Blows Over G7 Photo and Iran Access Claim
3 articles · Updated · abcnews.com · Jun 21
Summary
Trump doubled down Saturday that Giorgia Meloni "begged" repeatedly for a G7 photo, then attacked her for allegedly denying U.S. use of Italian runways during the Iran war.
Meloni called the claims "fabricated," "unprovoked" and "senseless," saying Italy still backs the U.S. and hosts American military bases while insisting her popularity is none of Trump's concern.
The row grew from Trump's Friday interview with an Italian journalist, where he said he took the photo only because he "felt sorry for her"; Meloni replied that "Italy never beg[s]."
Italy's backlash has widened beyond Meloni's camp: Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned U.S. trip, and opposition politicians also defended her while warning against excessive deference to Washington.