Updated Jun 21, 2026 – 9.46am, first published at 9.41amLondon | An escalating spat between US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over a photo opportunity has once again exposed the widening gap between the two leaders, who were once considered almost kindred spirits.The pair have now traded barbs for two days running, but not over affairs of the state or ideology, but over Trump’s claims that Meloni “begged” him for a photo at the Group of Seven leaders summit in France last week.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles
Why Meloni and Trump are snapping at each other over a photo
The Italian prime minister says the US president would be better off focusing on his own popularity slump than calling out her approval ratings.
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