Not anti-American, wasn't kneeling: Meloni doubles down after Trump G7 photo feud

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni rejected US President Donald Trump's claims and denied taking an anti-American line. The clash widened into a diplomatic spat, with Italy stressing sovereignty and cancelling a planned US visit.

In Short

• Giorgia Meloni denies distancing Italy from US, stresses partnership
• Her remarks come days after Trump accused her of begging for photos at G7
• She insists popularity depends on defending Italy's interests

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has rejected suggestions that she has distanced herself from the US, insisting that her relationship with Washington is based on partnership and not submission.

This comes days after US President Donald Trump triggered a diplomatic row by claiming that Meloni "begged" him for photographs with him at the G7 Summit in France and was trying to boost her popularity.

Speaking to a local Italian news outlet on Monday, Meloni pushed back against accusations that her government has taken an anti-American stance.

“I am not anti-American, I was not kneeling today or yesterday,” the Prime Minister said. “I believe that the West is stronger and united and I have worked for this. Solid relationships are based on frankness."

Just days after the G7 Summit in Evian, France, Trump said in a Truth Social post that the Italian leader had “asked, over and over, for a picture” with him during the gathering.

Trump also claimed that Meloni’s popularity in Italy "possibly because she turned down the United States of America."

“She wants to be friends again in order to get her ‘numbers up.' No, thanks," he added.

The Italian leader, however, did not take Trump's remarks too well. She dismissed his claims as unnecessary and rejected the idea that her political standing depended on her relationship with the US President.

“President Trump, these constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless,” Meloni said.

“As for my popularity, being your friend certainly has not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you. My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy’s national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done,” she added.

She added that agreements governing US military bases in Italy must be respected and cannot be changed unilaterally.

“Those agreements have always been respected, and they cannot be violated as long as I am Prime Minister. Italy remains a sovereign nation. In any case, my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours,” the Prime Minister added.

In the wake of the public feud, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelled a planned trip to the US.

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