Meloni Slams Trump's "Begging" Claim as Italy Cancels US Trip; Foreign Leaders React
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has vehemently denied Donald Trump's claim that she "begged" for a photo, leading to Italy's foreign minister canceling a US trip.
Image is an AI-generated illustration, not a real photograph.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly refuted claims made by former U.S. President Donald Trump that she "begged" him for a photograph at the recent G7 summit. Trump reportedly told an Italian broadcaster that Meloni "wanted a picture with me so badly" and he only agreed because he "felt sorry for her." Meloni, in response, released a video asserting that Trump's statements were "completely fabricated" and emphasized that "Italy and I do not beg." She also conveyed her astonishment at the former president's conduct towards allies.
The controversy escalated as Italy's Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, promptly canceled his scheduled trip to the United States. Tajani stated that Trump's remarks were "serious and offensive," not only to Prime Minister Meloni but to all of Italy. This diplomatic friction follows recent strains in the relationship between the two leaders.
What each outlet emphasizes
- CNN: reports on the Italian foreign minister canceling the trip and Meloni's denial, framing it within a broader trend of foreign leaders reacting to Trump
- BBC: emphasizes Meloni's strong denial and the "unfounded" nature of Trump's anecdote, noting the shift in their close ties
- AP: highlights Meloni's slamming of Trump's claim and the cancellation of the top diplomat's US trip
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