08.07.2026 10:02
The NATO Summit in Ankara is witnessing not only global security discussions but also unusual personal tensions among leaders. The "photo controversy" between US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has also affected summit protocol. The Italian press claimed that Meloni personally requested President Erdoğan not to be placed next to Trump.
The 36th NATO Leaders Summit held in Ankara was not only about the critical security agenda but also featured a remarkable diplomatic backstage among the leaders. The ongoing tension between US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was one of the most notable topics of the summit.
BEHIND THE CRISIS: THE 'REMOVAL ORDER NEEDED' POST
The long-standing 'photo-taking' dispute between the two leaders, which had been straining diplomatic boundaries, reached its peak just before the summit in Ankara. Before departing for Turkey, US President Donald Trump made a highly discussed post on his social media account targeting Meloni, using the words: 'Removal order needed.' for the Italian Prime Minister.
CORRIERE DELLA SERA: SOUGHT SOLUTION IN ERDOGAN'S PROTOCOL
Following Trump's harsh and mocking post, there was curiosity about where and how the two leaders would stand together at the summit in Ankara. Italy's prestigious newspaper, Corriere della Sera, published a striking claim that stirred up the backstage in Ankara.
According to the newspaper's report, Prime Minister Meloni appealed to the summit host, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to prevent the tension caused by a face-to-face meeting with Trump and any possible new controversial photo. It was claimed that Meloni specifically requested Erdogan not to place her next to Trump in any way while planning the summit protocol and seating arrangement.
STRATEGIC DISTANCE IN THE FAMILY PHOTO
This diplomatic standoff was clearly captured by cameras during the official family photo of the NATO Leaders Summit. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who was observed arriving at the protocol area slightly later than other leaders, chose a spot as far away from Trump as possible when taking her place in the photo frame.
During the photo shoot, Meloni's close positioning to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and her maintained distance from Trump did not escape the attention of the world media.