Meloni rejects Trump's 'begged for photo' claim as Italy cancels US visit

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posted a video on social media Friday rejecting US President Donald Trump's claim that she had 'begged' him for a photograph during the G7 summit in the French Alps earlier this week. Trump had told Italy's La7 television that Meloni 'wanted a picture with me so badly' and that he felt sorry for her. Meloni said in her video response that Trump's account was 'completely made up' and that 'neither I nor Italy ever beg.'

The public spat prompted Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to cancel a planned visit to the United States scheduled for June. According to France 24, Tajani said he was 'stunned' by Trump's remarks. The Guardian reported that the exchange reflected a significant deterioration in what had once been described as a close relationship between the Italian leader and the US president, a dynamic that has shifted since Trump's decision to pursue military confrontation with Iran.