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Trump calls Meloni 'a nice person' in change of tune after G7 spat

The shift in tone follows a brief period of tension sparked by Trump’s claims that Meloni had "begged" him for a photograph during the G7 summit in France.

Updated on: Jul 8, 2026, 13:22:50 IST
Edited by HT News Desk
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Following a recent public spat with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called the Italian leader a "nice person." The shift in tone follows a brief period of tension sparked by Trump’s claims that Meloni had "begged" him for a photograph during the G7 summit in Evian, France.

After Trump's photo-op claim, Meloni rejected the allegations. (REUTERS)
After Trump's photo-op claim, Meloni rejected the allegations. (REUTERS)

The recent remarks also follow Trump's Truth Social post on Sunday, in which he shared a photograph with Meloni and captioned it, "RESTRAINING ORDER NEEDED."

Also Read | 'Restraining order needed': Trump reignites feud with Meloni after G7 picture row

Trump calls Meloni a 'nice person'

While he praised Meloni on Tuesday, Trump also criticised the Italian PM for not helping with the recent conflict in Iran. The US President also acknowledged that his relationship with Meloni "became a little bad because she refused to help us" with Iran.

"She refused to get involved, so it soured my relationship with her a little bit. But I like her. I think she's a nice person, actually. But I think she made a mistake," Trump told reporters in Turkey, where he was attending a NATO summit, reported news agency Reuters.

Rome denied permission for US military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily in March before they went to the ​Middle East. This was reportedly because Washington had not sought prior authorisation from the Italian government.

Also Read | Fresh US attack, Iran sanctions waiver lifted, a 'crushing' response warning: What is happening?

Trump-Meloni tensions

The ties between the two leaders faltered when Trump told Italian TV channel La7 last month that she had "begged" him to take a photo with her at a G7 summit in France.

After Trump's photo-op claim, Meloni rejected the allegations. Moreover, the claims prompted Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to cancel a planned visit to the US.

The public disagreement between Trump and Meloni had marked a sharp shift in relations between the two leaders.

Despite the recent exchanges, Italy remains a key US ally within NATO.

(with inputs from agencies)

 
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HT News Desk

Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.

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