US-Italy rift widens: Meloni calls Trump's comments 'fabricated,' Tajani cancels US visit

A sharp exchange has erupted between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and former U.S. President Donald Trump, escalating into a diplomatic spat. Meloni accused Trump of fabricating a story about a photograph taken during a G7 summit, vehemently denying his claim that she "begged" him for the picture. She described his assertion as "completely false" and expressed bewilderment at his treatment of allies compared to Western adversaries.

The strong reaction from Meloni prompted Italy's Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, to cancel a scheduled visit to the United States, underscoring the severity of the rift. Just days prior, the two leaders appeared to have moved past previous tensions at the G7 summit, but Trump's latest remarks have reignited the crisis.

According to an interview with Italian channel La7, Trump alleged that Meloni "begged" for a photo and that he agreed out of pity. The channel broadcast the statement with a translation, without releasing the original audio. Meloni responded with a firm statement, labeling the claims as "completely fabricated" and questioning why Trump would act this way towards his allies. She added that it is disappointing he does not show the same resolve towards the West's enemies, reminding him that "neither I nor Italy ever beg."

Giovanni Battista Fazzolari, a close political ally of Meloni, stated that Trump, whether intentionally or through incompetence, is damaging historic US-Europe relations and making the US unpopular across the continent. Meloni, who was a strong supporter of Trump and the only European leader to attend his 2025 inauguration, had previously clashed with him earlier this year over his criticism of Pope Francis regarding the Iran conflict, with Trump accusing her of lacking courage.

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completely fabricated