Meloni rebukes Trump's "fabricated" claims of seeking photo-op, says "Italy and I never beg"

A significant diplomatic rift has emerged between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and former US President Donald Trump following Trump's comments to Italian television network La7.

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I am shocked by Trump's utterly fabricated words.

In the interview, Trump claimed Meloni had "begged" to have a photograph taken with him at the 52nd G7 summit in Evian, France, stating, "I felt sorry for her." Meloni responded swiftly and sharply, dismissing Trump's remarks in a video message shared on X. She called his statements "utterly fabricated" and expressed shock at his behavior towards allies, noting it was not the first time such comments had been made.

Meloni criticized Trump's diplomatic priorities, suggesting it was a "shame he doesn't have the same determination with the enemies of the West." She concluded by asserting, "Italy and I never beg."

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Certain things deserve an immediate response. Donald Trump's statements are totally invented. I am frankly appalled. I don't know why the President of the United States behaves this way with his own allies.

Following the diplomatic fallout, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled his planned visit to the US, scheduled for June 21 and 22. Tajani condemned Trump's remarks as "offensive" and an insult to "all of Italy."

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I can only say that it is a shame he doesn't have the same determination with the enemies of the West, with the enemies of the United States, with leaderships toward whom he instead proves to be much more accommodating.

Trump's comments originated from an interview where he alleged Meloni insisted on a photo-op and that he only agreed out of pity. The remarks have drawn widespread condemnation across the Italian political spectrum, straining relations between the two leaders.

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There is one thing he must remember: Italy and I never beg.