Meloni rejects Trump's claim she begged for a photo, sparking US-Italy diplomatic row

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has vehemently denied claims by US President Donald Trump that she begged him for a photo at the recent G7 summit in France. Meloni called Trump's remarks "completely made up" and expressed her astonishment at the comments. The dispute has led to Italy's Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, canceling a planned visit to the United States.
According to reports, Trump told an Italian TV channel that Meloni had begged him to take a photo with her at the G7 summit. "She begged me to take a photo with her. I felt sorry for her. She must be happy that I spoke to her! I didn't have to do it! I don't know what to say! She begged me to take a photo with her! She really wanted a photo with me. I wouldn't have accepted, but I felt sorry for her," Trump was quoted as saying.
Meloni responded with a video message on her social media channels, stating, "I am astonished by the words of President Trump. His statements are completely made up. Neither I nor Italy ever beg for anything." She also questioned why Trump would make such comments about an ally and expressed her disappointment that he did not show the same determination against the enemies of the West.
The dispute has caused a diplomatic rift between Italy and the United States. Italy's Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, announced the cancellation of his planned visit to the US, stating that Trump's comments were "grave and offensive" and offended the whole of Italy.
This is not the first time that Meloni and Trump have had a public disagreement. During the G7 summit, Meloni had stated that her relationship with Trump had not changed and attributed their previous disputes to their strong personalities and commitment to their national interests. However, the latest incident seems to have strained their relationship further.
The cancellation of Tajani's visit underscores the seriousness of the dispute and the impact it could have on US-Italy relations. As both countries are key allies in the West, the tension between their leaders could have broader implications for international diplomacy.
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