A once-friendly relationship between President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni appears to have entered a new and more contentious phase following a public exchange of criticism stemming from their interactions at the recent Group of Seven Summit.
Trump doubled down on his criticism of Meloni during an interview with NBC News on Friday, suggesting that disagreements over allied support during the Iran conflict have fundamentally altered his view of the Italian leader.
“She was a big fan,” Trump told NBC News correspondent Gabe Gutierrez.
But the president quickly added that he no longer welcomed that support, pointing to what he viewed as insufficient involvement by European allies in efforts surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
“But I don’t want her as a fan because she was not there — along with the NATO group — having to do with the strait,” Trump said, in an apparent reference to his calls for European nations to take a more active role in U.S. efforts related to securing the strategically important waterway.
The latest comments came after Trump made headlines earlier in the week during a brief interview with an Italian television journalist. Speaking to La7 TV, the president claimed Meloni had strongly sought a photo opportunity with him during the summit.
“She begged me to take a picture with her. She wanted a picture with me so badly. I wouldn’t have taken it, but I felt sorry for her,” Trump said, according to Reuters.
Meloni responded forcefully, rejecting the president’s version of events and expressing disbelief over the remarks.
In a video shared on social media, the Italian prime minister described Trump’s account as entirely untrue.
“I am astounded,” Meloni said, characterizing the interaction as “completely fabricated.”
She also questioned why the president was directing such criticism toward allied nations.
“I do not know why the president of the United States behaves this way toward his allies — it is certainly not the first time this has happened,” Meloni said.
The Italian leader went on to suggest that Trump’s approach toward allies differed from his treatment of adversaries.
“I can only say it is regrettable that he does not show the same determination against the enemies of the West and the United States — against leaderships with whom he actually proves to be much more accommodating,” she added.
The dispute highlights growing tensions among Western allies following months of conflict involving Iran. Trump has repeatedly criticized allied governments that questioned his handling of the war and has voiced frustration with countries that he believes did not provide sufficient support during the crisis.
Differences over military commitments, strategic priorities, and the role of allied nations in regional conflicts have increasingly strained relationships that were once viewed as politically aligned.
The disagreement between Trump and Meloni appears to be rooted largely in those broader disputes. While the two leaders previously maintained warm relations, divisions over the administration’s military efforts against Iran have driven a visible wedge between them.
The diplomatic fallout expanded further when Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that he was canceling a planned visit to the United States scheduled for next week.
In a statement posted to social media shortly before Meloni released her response video, Tajani condemned Trump’s remarks.
“The serious and offensive words of President Trump towards Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offend all of Italy,” he wrote.
“For this reason, I have decided to cancel my visit to the United States scheduled for the next 21 and 22 June.”
The exchange marks a significant public disagreement between two leaders who were once considered political allies, underscoring how disputes over international conflicts and military commitments can create tensions even among long-standing partners.
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