Meloni pushes back after Trump claims she ‘Begged’ for G7 photo
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly rejected comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump, after he claimed in a television interview that she had “begged” him for a photograph during the G7 summit.
Meloni said on Friday that she was “astonished” by Trump’s remarks, describing them as “completely made up.” She also criticized what she viewed as a pattern of disrespect toward long-standing allies, arguing that such statements damage diplomatic relations between friendly nations.
The exchange marks a noticeable deterioration in tone between the two leaders, who had previously appeared to maintain a working relationship despite earlier tensions linked to global geopolitical issues, including the war in Iran.
At the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, footage showed Meloni and Trump engaged in conversation, suggesting cordial interactions at the event. However, Trump later told an Italian television channel that Meloni had been overly eager to take a photo with him, comments that quickly sparked controversy.
His remarks were widely circulated after being translated and broadcast by La7, where he was quoted as saying he had “felt sorry” for Meloni and only agreed to the interaction out of courtesy.
Meloni’s response underscores growing sensitivity among European leaders regarding public statements made by international counterparts, particularly in an increasingly tense global political environment.
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