Meloni Rejects Trump’s Claim Sparking Diplomatic Tension

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly denied a claim by US President Donald Trump that she “begged” him for a photograph, calling the remark entirely “made-up.” The dispute has triggered a public diplomatic row between the two leaders and raised questions about the state of relations between Rome and Washington.

The controversy intensified after Trump told media that Meloni had asked him for a photo during this week’s G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. In response, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reportedly cancelled a planned visit to the United States, underscoring the seriousness of the disagreement.

The exchange highlights growing strains in what had previously been a close political relationship between the two leaders. Despite being seen in discussion at the G7 summit and Meloni initially insisting there had been “no recriminations,” the latest comments have exposed deeper tensions that have emerged in recent months, particularly following US policy decisions regarding Iran.