Italian PM Meloni accuses Trump of fabricating story, calls his comments 'astonishing'

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has sharply rebuked U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing him of fabricating a story about her and expressing astonishment at his behavior towards allies.

Trump told the Italian TV channel La7 that Meloni had "begged" him for a photo at a recent G7 summit, adding, "I didn't have to talk to her. She begged me to take a picture with her. She wanted a picture with me so badly. I wouldn't have taken it, but I felt sorry for her."

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She begged me to take a picture with her. She wanted a picture with me so badly. I wouldn't have taken it, but I felt sorry for her.

Meloni responded swiftly and forcefully in a social media video, stating, "Donald Trump's statements are completely made up. I am frankly astonished. I don't know why the president of the United States behaves like this towards his allies: it is not the first time, moreover."

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Donald Trump's statements are completely made up. I am frankly astonished. I don't know why the president of the United States behaves like this towards his allies: it is not the first time, moreover.

She criticized Trump for showing more deference to the "enemies of the West" than to established allies. "There is one thing he should remember: neither I nor Italy ever begs," Meloni declared.

The pointed exchange marks a notable deterioration in ties between the two right-wing leaders, occurring just days after they appeared to have stabilized a relationship strained by Middle East conflict tensions at the G7 summit. The anger within Meloni's government was evident, as Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned visit to the U.S. next week. The U.S. State Department had no immediate comment on the canceled trip.

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I can only say it is disappointing that he does not show the same determination with the enemies of the West and of the United States, whose leaders he instead treats with far greater indulgence.

A European diplomatic source described Meloni as one of the most assertive voices at the G7, openly challenging Trump on several issues and defending Europe's stance. The source indicated she told Trump he should cease claiming he had been abandoned by Western allies, emphasizing their consistent support.

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There is one thing he should remember: neither I nor Italy ever begs.