Italy outraged after Trump claims Meloni 'begged' for photo op at G7 summit

Italy reacted with anger and dismay after US President Donald Trump reportedly mocked Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with the nation's foreign minister cancelling a planned visit to the United States.

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frankly stunned

Meloni stated she was "frankly stunned" by Trump's comments, which were made in a phone interview with Italian channel La7. According to a transcript provided to AFP, Trump claimed Meloni "begged me for a picture" at the G7 summit and that he only agreed because he "felt sorry for her." He also suggested Meloni was likely "happy that I talked to her, I didn't have to talk to her."

Meloni retorted that Trump's statements were "made up," asserting, "Neither I nor Italy ever beg." She questioned Trump's behavior towards allies, writing on X, "I don't know why the president of the United States behaves this way with his own allies." She added, "It's a pity he doesn't show the same determination with enemies of the West, with enemies of the United States, with leaders with whom, instead, he is far more accommodating."

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begged me for a picture

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called Trump's remarks "grave and offensive" and announced the cancellation of his trip to the U.S., scheduled for June 21-22. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio described the comments as a "painful injury" to Italy-US relations, while Defence Minister Guido Crosetto commented that "these jokes do not benefit anyone."

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made up

At the G7 summit's conclusion, Meloni had described a "very positive climate" and "no friction" among leaders, including Trump. However, she also noted that both she and Trump possess "quite strong characters." The two were seen interacting at the summit, with Trump appearing to pat her shoulder after a meeting. This incident follows a previous strain in their relationship in April, when Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV's anti-war views, and Meloni defended the pontiff, calling Trump's remarks "unacceptable."

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Neither I nor Italy ever beg