Italy's Meloni says Trump 'totally invented' story that she begged him for photo

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has sharply rebuked US President Donald Trump, accusing him of fabricating a story that she had "begged" him for a photograph at a recent G7 summit. Meloni stated she was "astonished" by Trump's comments, which she described as "completely made up."

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astonished by his comments, which were "completely made up."

Speaking to the La7 TV channel, Trump had claimed that Meloni "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." The channel aired a dubbed version of the interview, not the original audio.

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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 forcefully, asserting, "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 further criticized Trump for showing more deference to the "enemies of the West" than to established allies, adding, "There is one thing he should remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg."

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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.

The diplomatic fallout was immediate. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the cancellation of his planned visit to the US next week, stating on X that "The serious and offensive words of President Trump towards Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offend the whole of Italy." This exchange marks a significant downturn in relations, following a period where the two right-wing leaders appeared to be stabilizing a previously strained relationship after tensions earlier in the year concerning the war in Iran.

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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.