Trump claims Meloni ‘begged’ for photo, criticizes Italy

Updated: 10:29 AM PKT — June 21, 2026

Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room delivered a career-defining performance, making a record 15 saves to secure a 0-0 draw against Ecuador and earn his nation its first-ever World Cup point.

The 37-year-old withstood relentless pressure, producing the most saves in a 90-minute World Cup match in history. The draw was a historic moment for Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play in the tournament. Room, who plays for Miami FC, became eligible for Curacao through his father and was contacted to join the team in 2015. The Dutch King and Queen were in attendance and reportedly celebrated with the team after the match.

Updated: 9:26 AM PKT — June 21, 2026

US President Donald Trump has escalated his diplomatic row with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, reiterating his claim that she repeatedly sought a photograph with him at the recent G7 summit. In a social media post on Saturday, Trump linked the personal dispute to broader geopolitical tensions, accusing Meloni of now seeking friendly relations with Washington for domestic political gain.

Trump claimed Italy had failed to support US action against Iran and was now trying to mend ties. “Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again in order to get her ‘numbers up.’ No thanks!!!” he wrote. The unusually personal clash has created a public rift between Trump and the prominent European leader.

Updated: 1:26 AM PKT — June 21, 2026

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has issued a sharp retort to US President Donald Trump’s recent social media attacks, dismissing his claims as “meaningless.” Responding to Trump’s assertion that her domestic popularity is falling, Meloni stated, “As for my popularity, being your friend certainly has not been beneficial for me… My popularity is none of your business. I suggest you focus on your own popularity.”

Regarding Trump’s accusation that she denied the US use of Italian airbases for military operations in Iran, Meloni clarified her government’s position. She stated that the use of Italian bases is governed by agreements that Italy has always respected, adding that these treaties cannot be violated while she is prime minister.

Updated: 12:04 AM PKT — June 21, 2026

US President Donald Trump has escalated his war of words with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, now claiming she wants to “be friends again” but that he has “flatly refused.” In a social media post, Trump alleged Meloni’s outreach is an attempt to save her falling domestic popularity, which he attributed to her failure to support the US during the war with Iran.

Adding a specific new accusation, Trump claimed that Meloni’s government denied the US permission to use Italian airports during the conflict, which caused operational difficulties. This follows Trump’s earlier claim that Meloni had “begged” for a photo at the G7 summit, a statement the Italian premier has dismissed as “completely fabricated.”

Updated: 10:27 PM PKT — June 20, 2026

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has sharply rebuked US President Donald Trump, calling his continued verbal attacks “senseless” and “unprovoked” as a diplomatic rift between the two leaders deepens. The row escalated after Trump doubled down on claims that Meloni had “begged” for a photo at the G7 summit, further alleging on social media that she sought to repair ties with Washington to boost her domestic political numbers after failing to support the US against Iran.

In a blistering response, Meloni stated her popularity was “none of your concern” and rejected Trump’s criticism over the use of military facilities in Italy. The spat has led to tangible diplomatic consequences, with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelling a planned visit to the United States, calling Trump’s words “grave and offensive” to all of Italy.