Trump Claims Meloni 'Begged' for Photo; Italian PM Calls Statements 'Invented'

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has ignited a diplomatic spat with Italy, claiming Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni "begged" him for a photograph during a recent G7 meeting, adding that he felt pity for her. Speaking in a phone call with the Italian TV program "L'Aria che tira" on La7, Trump recounted the alleged encounter, suggesting Meloni was eager for his attention.

"She begged me to take a picture with her! She wanted a picture with me so badly. I could have also not done it, but she made me feel pity!" Trump said, according to the Italian outlet. He also broadly criticized European policies on energy and immigration, calling them a "disaster."

Prime Minister Meloni swiftly and forcefully rejected Trump's narrative. In a post on Instagram, she stated, "Donald Trump's statements are totally invented. I am frankly appalled." She added, "I and Italy never beg." Meloni expressed dismay at Trump's behavior towards allies, noting it was not the first time such comments had been made.

The controversy prompted a call of solidarity from Italian President Sergio Mattarella to Prime Minister Meloni. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also reacted strongly, calling Trump's words "grave and offensive" to all of Italy. Tajani announced he was canceling a planned visit to the United States in response to the remarks. He further commented that he could not imagine Meloni asking anyone for a photograph, especially under duress, and expressed regret that she had to set aside her own views for the sake of Italy, Europe, and the West.

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Le dichiarazioni di Donald Trump sono totalmente inventate. Sono francamente allibita. Io e l'Italia non imploriamo mai