Meloni rebukes Trump over G7 photo claims: ‘Neither I nor Italy ever beg’

The Italian government is pushing back against President Trump, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni accusing him of making up a story about her begging for a photo at the Group of Seven (G7) summit, and the country’s top diplomat canceling a visit to the U.S. in protest. 

In an extraordinary rebuke, Meloni posted a video on the social media site X, addressing reported statements attributed to Trump that claimed he indulged the Italian leader by holding a conversation with her and that she “begged” for a picture. 

“There is one thing he must remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg,” Meloni said in the video, speaking Italian.

She said she was “astounded” by Trump’s comments, calling them “completely fabricated.” She said it’s regrettable that Trump treats his enemies better than he treats allied nations.  

“I do not know why the president of the United States behaves this way toward his allies—it is certainly not the first time this has happened,” she........

© The Hill