U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni begged him for a joint photo during the recent G7 summit in France. Trump told an Italian TV channel that Meloni had begged to take a picture with him and that he felt sorry for her.
Prime Minister Meloni expressed shock at the comments, describing the story as fabricated and fully made up. The Italian government is pushing back against the claims made by the U.S. President.
The relationship between the two leaders, who were once close allies, has become increasingly strained in recent months. While Meloni was previously labeled Europe's Trump whisperer, the war in Iran turned their friendship into a liability for her.
The controversy has led to further diplomatic tension, as Antoni Tajani pulled out of a visit. Tajani stated that Trump's comments regarding Meloni offend all of Italy.