Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has completely denied US President Donald Trump's claim that she 'begged' him for a photo at the G7 summit. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing BBC News.
Trump told Italy's La7 TV in a phone interview: "She begged me to take a photo with her; I felt sorry for her." Meloni, in a brief address to her seven million Instagram followers, said she was "frankly stunned" and added: "I don't know why the US president behaves this way towards allies." She noted it was not the first time and said: "He does not show the same determination towards the enemies of the West and the US. But one thing he needs to remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg."
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has cancelled a trip to the US. The incident highlights frayed ties between the two leaders. Meloni, elected in 2022, was the only European leader to attend Trump's inauguration in January 2025. However, she opposed the US war with Iran and rejected Trump's criticism of Pope Leo XIV.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella immediately phoned Meloni to offer support, and figures across the political spectrum defended her. Opposition Democratic Party senator Filippo Sensi said no one had the right to speak to an Italian prime minister in such an arrogant tone. Five Star Movement leader Giuseppe Conte said Italy did not deserve such humiliation. Senator Lucio Malan from Meloni's party noted Trump's words damage his own image. Government ally Matteo Salvini said: "Whoever attacks Giorgia, attacks all of us."
The White House has not commented.