Washington: Tensions between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and US President Donald Trump escalated after Trump claimed that Meloni had “begged” him for a photograph during the recent G7 summit and that he had agreed out of sympathy.
Meloni strongly rejected the claim, describing it as false and fabricated. She said neither she nor Italy seeks favours from anyone and expressed surprise over Trump’s remarks, questioning why he would make such comments about a close ally.
The controversy quickly triggered a political reaction in Italy. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelled his planned visit to the United States scheduled for June 21 and 22, saying Trump’s comments were not only disrespectful to Meloni but also to Italy as a nation.
Several senior Italian leaders rallied behind the Prime Minister. President Sergio Mattarella and other political figures criticised Trump’s remarks, calling them inappropriate and unnecessary.
Defence Minister Guido Crosetto also defended Meloni, stating that he could never imagine the Italian Prime Minister requesting a photograph from anyone, let alone pleading for one.
The exchange has added strain to relations between the two allies and sparked debate in political circles over diplomatic conduct and mutual respect among world leaders.
