Meloni Rejects Trump's 'Made Up' Photo Claim
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has launched a forceful response to Donald Trump after the US president claimed she had begged him for a photograph at the recent G7 summit in France. In a social media video, Meloni called Trump's assertion 'made up' and declared, 'I do not beg, nor does Italy.' The exchange marks a significant rupture between the two leaders, who had previously maintained a cordial relationship.
Background of the Spat
The dispute traces back to an April disagreement over Pope Francis's criticism of the US war on Iran. Trump reignited tensions by telling an Italian TV journalist that Meloni had 'begged' for a photo at the G7, a claim he repeated on Truth Social. He added that Meloni sought the image to boost her flagging approval ratings, which he attributed to her lack of support for US actions in Iran. Spanish newspaper El País suggested Trump was irritated by a video showing Meloni appearing to scold him at the same meeting.
Meloni's Strong Response
Meloni's video rebuttal fused personal and national pride, stating, 'I do not beg, nor does Italy.' She followed up with an Instagram post insisting her declining popularity had nothing to do with the US, though she added that being friends with Trump was not helping. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled plans to attend a US-Italian business forum in Miami, signaling diplomatic strain.
Domestic Political Calculus
Analysts believe Meloni's tough stance is driven by electoral strategy. Italy faces a general election by 2027, and Meloni's popularity has waned. A March referendum saw voters reject a judicial reform she championed, and a new hard-right party, National Future, is eroding her coalition's support. Polls suggest the governing coalition is set for defeat. By clashing with Trump, who is deeply unpopular in Italy, Meloni aims to neutralize opposition attacks on her previous closeness to him and assert a nationalist conservative narrative that rejects subservience to the US.
European and Domestic Reactions
Meloni has received solidarity from across the Italian political spectrum and from European leaders, validating her approach. She is pushing for electoral law changes that would benefit her coalition, including bonus seats for the winning coalition and stricter requirements for new parties. The opposition has denounced these changes as a power grab. Meloni hopes to strengthen her position within the European right by distancing herself from Trump and aligning with figures like Jordan Bardella of France's National Rally.
Outlook
While the personal bond between Trump and Meloni appears nearly ruined, the rift may serve Meloni's political interests. However, her ideological consistency is questioned after flip-flopping on the value of closeness to Trump. As electoral reform progresses, Meloni must convince voters that her performance reflects conviction, not just political maneuvering.
