The Italian government has strongly rebuked Donald Trump over his reported assertion that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni "begged" for a photo with him during the recent G7 summit. The controversy escalated as Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani abruptly canceled a planned trip to the United States this weekend, characterizing the President's remarks as "serious and offensive."
Meloni's Video Response
Ms. Meloni released a video message in which she called Mr. Trump's reported comments "completely fabricated" and expressed astonishment that he would misrepresent an ally. She declared, "Italy and I do not beg." The video underscored her indignation, stating, "I don’t know why the president of the United States behaves this way toward his own allies. After all, this isn’t the first time this has happened."
Background of the Incident
The controversy originated from a phone interview Mr. Trump gave to the Italian La7 network, where he was questioned about Ukraine. During the conversation, he brought up Ms. Meloni and their meeting at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. According to La7, Mr. Trump claimed that Ms. Meloni "begged" him for a photo, and although he was not obliged, he felt sorry for her and agreed. The broadcaster did not air Mr. Trump's original English words but provided an Italian voiceover.
Meloni's Broader Critique
In her video, Ms. Meloni also took aim at Mr. Trump's foreign policy stance, saying, "I can only say that it’s a shame he doesn’t show the same resolve toward the enemies of the West, toward the enemies of the United States - toward leaders with whom he, on the other hand, is much more accommodating." This appeared to reference an earlier interview Mr. Trump gave to Italian daily Corriere della Sera in April, where he criticized her refusal to support the US-Israel war in Iran.
The White House has been contacted for comment, but no response has been issued as of yet.
