20/06/2026 06:17 - Internacionales
Dos figuras políticas enfrentadas en un entorno diplomático internacional, una de ellas mujer con expresión firme y decidida, simbolizando la tensión entre Italia y Estados Unidos
The diplomatic relationship between Italy and the United States suffered a severe blow following statements by President Donald Trump in an interview with the Italian network La7, where he claimed that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had begged him for a photo during the recent G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France.
Trump indicated he wasn't obligated to agree but felt pity for her and accepted. However, Meloni's version was radically different, and her response was swift and forceful.
The G7 (Group of Seven) is an intergovernmental organization consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These nations meet annually to discuss global economic policy. Evian-les-Bains is a French spa town on Lake Geneva, known for hosting international summits.
The Italian Prime Minister published a video on social media where she labeled Trump's statements as completely fabricated and expressed her shock at the American president's behavior toward an ally.
I don't know why the President of the United States behaves this way with his own allies. After all, this isn't the first time it's happened. I can only say it's a shame he doesn't show the same determination when facing the enemies of the West... Italy and I don't beg.
Meloni explained she responded immediately because certain things deserve an immediate response, demonstrating the gravity her government attributes to the incident.
The relationship between Trump and Meloni has deteriorated due to multiple disagreements:
Economic Impact: Italy is the third largest EU trading partner of the United States, adding significant economic weight to this diplomatic dispute.
An analysis by Daniel Dale for CNN notes that Trump has a years-long history of telling false or highly questionable stories about people who supposedly beg him for things. This tactic appears especially when someone who previously supported him later criticizes him.
Analyst Orin Kerr, a professor at Stanford Law School, explained years ago: In Trump's world, everyone who turns against him at some point asked him for a favor and was rejected, making Trump the alpha male in the end.
Previous documented examples include contradictions with figures such as James Comey (former FBI director), Senator Bob Corker, and TV host John Oliver, who disproved Trump's versions with documentary evidence.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed solidarity with Meloni from Spain, demonstrating the impact this incident has had on the international community.
Meloni attended Trump's inauguration in 2025 and met with him at Mar-a-Lago (Trump's private club in Florida), which had suggested a closer relationship between the two conservative leaders.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
