Meloni ‘stunned’ over US prez’s photo claim

I don’t know why the US president behaves this way towards allies. There is one thing he needs to remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg. 

Giorgia Meloni

Italy’s Prime Minister 

Rome: Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has dismissed as “made-up” US President Donald Trump’s claim that she “begged” him for a photograph at the G7 summit, deepening a public rift between the two leaders.

Trump told Italy’s La7 TV channel that Meloni had pleaded for a picture with him and that he had “felt sorry for her”. Meloni responded on Instagram, saying she was “frankly stunned” and insisting that neither she nor Italy ever begged. The dispute comes amid growing tensions over Meloni’s criticism of the US war with Iran. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has cancelled a planned US visit, while President Sergio Mattarella and political leaders across Italy voiced support for Meloni.

The two leaders were seen in friendly conversation during the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. However, Trump’s remarks have fuelled questions over a relationship once seen as one of his strongest among European leaders.