Relations between Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni and US President Donald Trump have once again publicly soured. Trump claimed that Meloni had begged him to get photographed with him during the G7 summit in France.
The Italian leader rejected this completely and called it completely fabricated and said that she was surprised by this comment of the US President.
‘He begged me for a photo’: Controversy over Trump’s comment
The controversy began when Trump himself mentioned Meloni in a short interview with Italy’s La7 TV channel. According to the channel’s translation, Trump claimed that the Italian Prime Minister wanted to get photographed with him at the G7 summit. Trump said, “Maybe she’s glad I talked to her. I didn’t need to talk to her. She asked me to take a photo with her. She was very eager to take a photo with me. I don’t take photos, but I felt sorry for her.” La7 aired a dubbed version of the interview, but did not release the original audio.
‘Insult to the whole of Italy’: Deputy PM replied to Trump
Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani criticized US President Donald Trump on Friday. Responding to the controversy, Tajani said Trump’s comments had insulted all of Italy. In protest, he announced the cancellation of his US tour scheduled for June 21 and 22.
In a post on
Meloni’s counterattack
Meloni was quick to respond to Trump’s comments and flatly rejected his version of events. He said, “Donald Trump’s statements are completely fabricated. I am really shocked. I do not understand why the American President behaves like this with his allies: and yes, this is not the first time.”
She also took aim at Trump’s attitude toward America’s rivals, saying, “All I can say is that it is disappointing that he does not show the same firmness toward the West and America’s enemies; in fact, he is much more lenient with their leaders.”
Concluding his response with a strong message, Meloni said, “They should remember one thing – neither I nor Chris ever bow to anyone.”
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