Tensions flared between former President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at a recent NATO summit, marked by a public display of a strained relationship. During the gathering for a traditional NATO family photo, Meloni appeared to deliberately avert her gaze from Trump, a move interpreted by body language experts as a calculated snub.
According to body language reader Judi James, Meloni's demeanor suggested a desire to recalibrate the power dynamic between them. James noted that Meloni "might still be stinging from Trump's claims after their last meeting because her very emphatic 'ignore' ritual of the US version of the Sun King here suggests a desire to reset the power balance a little." As Trump entered the formation for the photo, Meloni reportedly turned her head away, avoiding any direct acknowledgment. A subtle toss of Meloni's head after Trump had passed was observed, signaling the moment of perceived interaction had concluded.
This encounter follows a public dispute that began last month at the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. Trump claimed in an Italian news outlet that Meloni had "begged" him for a photo, stating he "wouldn't have taken it, but I felt sorry for her." He further commented, "She might be happy that I talked to her, I didn't have to talk to her."
Meloni responded forcefully, calling Trump's assertions "completely made-up" and asserting that "neither I nor Italy ever beg." She expressed confusion over Trump's public criticism of a Western ally, particularly given their prior relationship, and suggested he seemed more accommodating toward adversaries of the West than to allies.
Trump doubled down on his claims on his Truth Social platform, reiterating that Meloni had repeatedly requested a photo during the G7 meeting. He linked her popularity in Italy to her alleged refusal to support the United States in preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
The friction traces back to an incident in March when Italy reportedly banned U.S. warplanes from landing at the Sigonella air base in Sicily. Trump publicly criticized Meloni, accusing her of abandoning America and NATO and threatening to withdraw U.S. troops from Italy. Meloni defended Italy's actions, stating that agreements regarding military bases had been respected and that her approval ratings were not Trump's concern.
This public feud represents a significant shift for the two leaders, who once shared a close alliance. Meloni had been viewed as a bridge between the White House and Europe's conservative right and was notably one of the few European leaders to attend Trump's inauguration.