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South Korea
Trump's alleged insults lead Italy to cancel PM Meloni's U.S. visit
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
News
Named sources
Outcome reported
- Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that former U.S. President Donald Trump made insulting remarks about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
- Trump reportedly said Meloni was "dying to take a picture" with him during the G7 summit.
- Following the alleged comments, Italy has canceled Prime Minister Meloni's planned visit to the U.S.
Italy's top diplomat has announced the cancellation of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's upcoming visit to the United States, citing "serious and insulting" remarks allegedly made by former U.S. President Donald Trump about the Italian leader. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned the comments, stating they constituted an insult not just to Meloni but to Italy as a whole.
Meloni was dying to take a picture with me.
The controversy stems from a report by France International Radio (RFI), which cited a transcript suggesting Trump claimed Meloni was "dying to take a picture" with him during the G7 summit. The report further quoted Trump as saying he agreed to the photo out of pity and that Meloni might be pleased he spoke with her.
Prime Minister Meloni responded forcefully on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, stating, "Neither I nor Italy ever beg." Tajani echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the gravity of Trump's alleged statements. The planned visit, scheduled for June 21-22, has now been called off, signaling a significant diplomatic rift.
Neither I nor Italy ever beg.
Trump's campaign has not yet issued a public statement regarding these allegations. The incident highlights a tense moment in international relations, particularly concerning the rhetoric used by prominent political figures during high-level international gatherings.
The serious and insulting remarks made by President Trump towards Prime Minister Meloni are an insult to the whole of Italy.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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