Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has firmly rejected a claim by US President Donald Trump that she begged him for a photograph at the G7 summit in France. In a video posted on X, Meloni said Trump's assertion was 'completely made up'.
Trump's Alleged Comment
Trump made the remark during an interview with Italy's La7 TV channel, stating: 'She wanted a picture with me so badly. I wouldn’t have taken it, but I felt sorry for her.' The comment came after the G7 summit held in France.
Meloni's Response
Meloni, visibly stunned by the claim, took to social media to set the record straight. 'Neither I nor Italy ever beg,' she declared in the video, emphasizing that the story was fabricated. She also expressed her surprise at Trump's version of events, which she described as completely untrue.
The incident has sparked a diplomatic ripple, with Meloni's office clarifying that no such request was made. The Italian leader's swift denial underscores the tension between the two leaders, who have had a complex relationship since Trump took office.
This is not the first time Trump has made controversial claims about world leaders. His comments often attract scrutiny, and this latest episode is no exception. As the G7 summit concluded, the focus has shifted to the personal interactions between leaders, with Meloni's rebuttal drawing attention to the importance of factual accuracy in international diplomacy.
