Trump escalates spat with Meloni over G7 photo claim (opens original article in a new tab)

US President Donald Trump escalated a diplomatic dispute with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, accusing her of seeking a photo with him and linking the issue to tensions over Iran and NATO, prompting strong condemnation from Italian officials.

• US President Donald Trump accused Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of repeatedly seeking a photograph with him at the G7 summit
• Trump linked the dispute to tensions over Iran and NATO, claiming Meloni sought to repair relations for domestic political reasons
• Italian officials condemned Trump's remarks as offensive and damaging to Italy-US relations
• Meloni denied Trump's claims and accused him of showing more deference to adversaries than allies