Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said to U.S. President Donald Trump that they have always been friends during the G7 summit [1].
The interaction highlights the diplomatic alignment between Italy and the United States as both leaders navigate the geopolitical priorities of the G7. Such public displays of rapport are often used to signal stability in transatlantic relations.
The exchange took place June 16, 2026 [1] in Evian‑les‑Bains, France [2]. The two leaders spoke on the sidelines of the summit, utilizing the informal setting to discuss bilateral ties. Meloni said she sought to underscore the long-standing friendly relationship between her government and the U.S. administration [3].
During the conversation, Meloni said, "We've always been friends" [1]. The comment came as the leaders engaged in a side meeting away from the main summit sessions. This interaction occurred amid the broader diplomatic agenda of the G7 gathering in the French town [2].
While the summit focuses on collective global challenges, these individual interactions often set the tone for specific bilateral agreements. The rapport between Meloni and Trump suggests a continued willingness to coordinate on shared interests, ranging from security to economic cooperation, across the Atlantic.
Official schedules for the summit in Evian‑les‑Bains have emphasized multilateral cooperation, but the personal chemistry between heads of state remains a critical factor in executing those policies. The brevity of the interaction did not obscure the intent to project a unified front between the two nations [3].
“"We've always been friends."”
This interaction serves as a strategic signal of continuity in Italy-US relations. By publicly emphasizing a personal friendship, Meloni reinforces a diplomatic bridge that can facilitate smoother negotiations on trade and security, ensuring Italy remains a key partner for the US within the G7 framework.
