Meloni rejects Trump’s ‘begged for a photo’ claim, diplomatic tensions rise

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly denied comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed during an interview with an Italian television channel that she had “begged” him for a photograph during the recent G7 Summit in France.

Responding to the remarks, Meloni described the statement as “completely made up” and said she was astonished by Trump’s comments. She emphasized that neither she nor Italy would ever need to beg for a photograph, defending both her personal dignity and the country’s reputation.

The controversy has sparked a diplomatic backlash in Italy. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelled a planned visit to the United States, calling Trump’s remarks offensive to both Meloni and Italy as a nation. Several senior Italian officials also criticized the comments, warning that such statements could further strain relations between traditional Western allies.

The exchange marks the latest setback in relations between Trump and Meloni, whose political relationship has become increasingly strained in recent months over disagreements on international issues, including Iran and the Vatican.