Story perspectives

Meloni Denies Trump’s “Begging” Claim, Leaders Condemn Remarks

6/20/2026

Summary

Meloni Rejects

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim she begged for a G7 photo.
She posted a June 19 video saying Italy never begs.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelled his U.S. trip for June 21-22, calling Trump’s remarks offensive.
Defence Minister Guido Crosetto wrote on X he could not imagine Meloni begging for photo.
Coalition and opposition leaders Giuseppe Conte and Lia Quartapelle condemned Trump’s comments as humiliating.

Summary

Trump Threatens Pullout

U.S. President Donald Trump warned he could pull troops from Italy, saying Rome has not helped.
Italy hosts about 13,000 U.S. soldiers across six bases, the largest footprint in Europe.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelled his June 21-22 trip to the Italy-U.S. Forum in Miami.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio was to speak at the Miami forum.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stayed on the sidelines, clashing with Trump’s call for allies.

History

Historical Context

During the 2003 Iraq invasion the United States obtained Italy’s consent to station roughly 3,000 troops at Aviano Air Base, a move backed by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi but warned by opposition leader Romano Prodi would cost €1 billion a year. Italy’s 2006 pull-out and later force-share renegotiations illustrate how base-hosting disputes have repeatedly strained NATO cohesion.

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Meloni Rejects

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim she begged for a G7 photo.
She posted a June 19 video saying Italy never begs.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelled his U.S. trip for June 21-22, calling Trump’s remarks offensive.
Defence Minister Guido Crosetto wrote on X he could not imagine Meloni begging for photo.
Coalition and opposition leaders Giuseppe Conte and Lia Quartapelle condemned Trump’s comments as humiliating.

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