Key facts
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni refuted U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that she "begged" for a photo at the G7 summit.
- Meloni called Trump's story "completely fabricated" and criticized his behavior towards allies.
- Trump stated Meloni "begged" him for a picture and he agreed out of pity.
- Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned U.S. visit in response to Trump's remarks.
- Meloni accused Trump of pandering to the enemies of the West.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly refuted claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump that she "begged" him for a photo at the recent G7 summit in France. Meloni described the story as "completely fabricated" and criticized Trump's behavior towards allies, suggesting he panders to the enemies of the West.
Trump had told an Italian journalist that Meloni "begged" him for a picture, and that he agreed out of pity. He later reinforced his criticism, stating she "was a big fan" but he did not want her as a fan due to her stance on the Strait of Hormuz. Meloni responded by saying, "neither I nor Italy ever beg."
In response to Trump's remarks, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced he was canceling a planned visit to the United States. Tajani stated that Trump's words offended all of Italy.