Trump-Meloni feud: Italian PM rejects Trump claim he ‘begged for photo’, foreign minister cancels US visit | Today’s news
A diplomatic spat has erupted between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and US President Donald Trump after Trump claimed Meloni “begged” to be photographed with him during the recent G7 summit in France.
The remarks, made during an interview with Italian TV station La7, drew an immediate sharp response from the Italian leader, who dismissed the comments as completely fabricated and accused Trump of disrespecting allies.
Trump’s statements are causing controversy
In an interview with La7, Trump claimed that Meloni insisted on a photo opportunity with him at the 52nd G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France.
“Melon? She begged me for a picture; I felt sorry for her,” Trump said during the interview.
Meloni issues a strong rebuttal
In a self-recorded video message posted on social media, Meloni strongly rejected Trump’s account of events.
“I am shocked by Trump’s completely made-up words,” she said.
The Italian prime minister added that Trump’s version of events is completely false.
“Certain things deserve an immediate reaction. Donald Trump’s statements are totally fabricated. I am frankly horrified. I don’t know why the President of the United States is behaving this way towards his own allies. After all, this is not the first time this has happened.”
Meloni also criticized Trump’s approach to international diplomacy, suggesting he reserved his harshest rhetoric for allies rather than adversaries.
“I can only say that it is a shame that he does not have the same determination with the enemies of the West, with the enemies of the United States, with the leadership, towards whom he, on the contrary, is proving to be much more accommodating.”
She ended her statement with a sharp message emphasizing Italian national pride.
“There is one thing they must remember: Italy and I never beg.
The foreign minister has canceled a visit to the US
The diplomatic fallout deepened when Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the cancellation of his planned visit to the United States, scheduled for June 21 and 22.
In a post on X, Tajani called Trump’s comments an insult not only to Meloni, but to the entire country.
President Trump’s serious and insulting words to Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni insult the whole of Italy.
He added that the remarks prompted his decision to cancel the trip.
“For this reason, I have decided to cancel my visit to the United States scheduled for next June 21 and 22.”
