Meloni 'begged me' for a photo: Trump's comments spark political backlash in Italy

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday pushed back forcefully against US President Donald Trump's claim that she had “begged” him for a photo at the recent G7 summit, in remarks that triggered political backlash in Italy.

“Some things deserve an immediate response. Donald Trump’s statements are completely made up — I am frankly stunned,” Meloni said in a video posted on social media.

“I don’t know why the president of the United States behaves this way with his allies — it’s not the first time. I can only say it is regrettable that he does not show the same determination toward the enemies of the West, toward the enemies of the United States,” she added. “But there is one thing he must remember: I and Italy never beg.”

The dispute follows comments Trump made in an interview with Italian television La7 in which he said Meloni had insisted on taking a photo with him at the summit and that he agreed only reluctantly.

“She begged me to take a picture with her. She wanted a picture with me so badly. I wouldn’t have taken it, but I felt sorry for her,” Trump said, according to La7, which didn’t publish the audio of the phone conversation with its US correspondent.

The transcribed remarks prompted strong reactions in Italy, with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceling a planned visit to the United States.

“Trump’s serious and offensive words toward Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offend all of Italy. For this reason, I have decided to cancel my visit to the United States scheduled for June 21 and 22,” Tajani said.