Trump claimed that Meloni ‘begged’ for the photo: a scandal has erupted in Italy
This has been reported by the Italian media following the release of a telephone conversation with Trump, which was broadcast on the programme *Aria che Tira*.
During the conversation, which initially concerned the war in Ukraine, the US president moved on to the topic of a meeting with Giorgia Meloni after the G7 summit. According to Trump, it was the Italian Prime Minister who allegedly insisted on a joint photo.
“Meloni was pleased that we had spoken. She begged me to have my photo taken with her. She really wanted it. I felt sorry for her,” said the US President.
Furthermore, Trump criticised Europe’s policies on migration and energy. He stated that European countries had “got it wrong” in these areas, describing the migration situation as a “disaster”.
Meloni’s reaction
The Italian Prime Minister sharply rejected the US President’s remarks.
“These are fabricated statements. I don’t know why he behaves this way towards his allies. But there is one thing he must remember: Italy and I never beg,” said Meloni.
Following Trump’s statement, representatives of the Italian authorities expressed their support for the Prime Minister. Italian President Sergio Mattarella telephoned Meloni to express his solidarity. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described the US President’s remarks as serious and offensive towards the head of the Italian government. As a result of the situation, he cancelled his planned visit to the United States. Representatives of various political groups in Italy also joined in the criticism. They stated that such remarks could affect relations between the US and its European allies.
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