Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly denied U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that she 'begged' for a photo with him during the G7 summit in France. Meloni called Trump's remarks 'completely fabricated' in a video posted on X, expressing shock at the allegation. Trump, in an interview with Italian broadcaster La7, said Meloni 'wanted a picture with me so badly' and that he 'felt sorry for her.' The White House has not responded to requests for comment.
Core Facts
- Meloni denies Trump's claim, calling it 'totally invented' and 'a shame.'
- Trump alleges Meloni 'begged' for a photo during the G7 summit in France.
Context and Reactions
Meloni's response highlighted broader tensions, stating Trump 'does not show the same determination' toward enemies of the West. She added, 'I and Italy never beg.' The incident follows a reported cooling of relations between the two leaders, who were once considered close allies. Videos from the summit show Meloni engaging with Trump, though interpretations of their interactions vary.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a trip to the U.S. amid the dispute. Meloni had previously attended Trump's 2025 inauguration as the sole European leader. The rift comes amid broader diplomatic strains, including Meloni's recent distancing from U.S. policies on Iran.