Trump claims Meloni begged for photo at G7, Italy reacts sharply
Meloni called the account “made up” and said Trump is tougher on allies than on Western adversaries.
US President Donald Trump sparked a new dispute with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after claiming Meloni begged to take a photo with him on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. In an interview with Italian television station La7, Trump said he agreed because he felt sorry. Meloni responded in a video on Instagram and called Trump's statement entirely made up. She also said she was surprised the US president would act that way toward his allies while showing no similar firmness toward Western enemies. The clash came just days after the two appeared friendly at the G7 and added to strains in a relationship already affected by Italy's refusal to support the US and Israel war against Iran.