Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has publicly rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that she asked to take a photo with him, calling it a “made-up story.” The dispute began after Trump told Italy’s La7 television channel that Meloni had requested a photo during the recent G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France. In response, Meloni expressed shock on Instagram, questioning why the US president behaves this way toward allied nations and asserting that neither she nor Italy begs for anyone’s favor.

Following the controversy, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled his planned visit to the United States. Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella and leaders across the political spectrum voiced support for Meloni, condemning Trump’s remarks as disrespectful. Opposition senator Filippo Sensi, former prime minister Giuseppe Conte, and coalition leader Matteo Salvini all defended Meloni’s stance.

Analysts and diplomats cited the fallout as part of a broader rift between Europe and the US, intensified by Trump’s Iran war policy. Several European leaders, including Meloni, have refused to allow US bombers to use their bases, signaling a shift toward greater European strategic independence.