Meloni Blasts Trump's 'Begging' Claim; Italy's Top Diplomat Cancels US Trip
Meloni Blasts Trump's 'Begging' Claim; Italy's Top Diplomat Cancels US Trip
A diplomatic spat ignites! Italian PM Giorgia Meloni slams Donald Trump's 'begging' claim as 'made up,' leading Italy's Foreign Minister to cancel a U.S. trip. Get the full story on this heated international exchange.
A war of words has erupted between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and former U.S. President Donald Trump, leading to a diplomatic incident and the cancellation of a high-profile U.S. visit by Italy's top diplomat. The dispute centers on Trump's assertion that Meloni 'begged' him for a photograph during this week's Group of Seven (G7) summit in France.
Meloni vehemently denied Trump's claims, taking to social media to post a video statement. "Donald Trump's statements are completely made up. I am frankly astonished," she declared, adding, "Neither I nor Italy ever beg." She expressed disappointment, stating, "I don't know why the president of the United States behaves like this towards his allies: it is not the first time, moreover." Meloni further criticized Trump for not showing the same determination with "enemies of the West and of the United States," whom he "treats with far greater indulgence."
Trump, however, doubled down on his remarks in an interview, insisting, "She was a big fan." He then seemingly linked his comments to geopolitical issues, saying, "I don't want her as a fan because she was not there — along with the NATO group — having to do with the Strait," referencing the Strait of Hormuz. This suggests a broader dissatisfaction beyond just the photo incident.
The controversy prompted Italy's Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, to cancel his scheduled visit to the United States on June 21 and 22. Tajani condemned Trump's "serious and offensive words" towards Meloni, stating they "offend all of Italy." His cancellation has also led to the postponement of a key Italy-U.S. business forum, further highlighting the diplomatic fallout.
This isn't the first time tensions have flared between the two leaders. Their relationship reportedly soured earlier this year after Meloni criticized Trump's comments regarding Pope Leo XIV, indicating a history of disagreements that predate this latest public spat.
