Italy on Friday accused Donald Trump of inventing a story after the U.S. president claimed in an interview that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had begged to take a photo with him during this week’s G7 summit in France. Meloni denied the claim publicly, and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani responded by canceling a planned trip to the United States.
In an interview with Italy’s La7 television network, Trump was asked about his meeting with Meloni at the summit. He said, “She was probably pleased that I spoke with her. I didn’t have to speak with her.” He then added that she “begged me to take a picture with her” and “really wanted a picture with me,” saying he could have refused but “felt sorry for her.”
Soon after the interview aired, Meloni posted a video on social media rejecting Trump’s version of events. “Donald Trump’s statements are completely fabricated,” she said. “Frankly, I was stunned.” She added that she did not understand why the U.S. president behaves this way toward allies and said, “It is a pity he does not show the same determination toward the enemies of the West, toward the enemies of the United States, and toward leaders to whom he shows much more willingness,” apparently referring to criticism of the Iran deal. She concluded, “He should remember one thing: I and Italy never beg.”
Tajani said Trump’s “serious and offensive” remarks hurt all of Italy and that he had therefore decided to cancel his visit, which had been scheduled for early next week. “No one is allowed to insult Italy as the United States has done,” he said. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto also backed Meloni, saying he could not imagine her asking anyone for a photo, “not even under threat,” and calling Trump’s comments a “stylistic failure” that help no one, neither the United States nor Italy.
