19.06.2026 17:00
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reacted to US President Donald Trump's statement about her, "I felt sorry for her. Meloni begged to take a photo with me," calling it "Completely made up." Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also announced the cancellation of his visit to the United States.
{"text":"
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni responded to US Donald Trump's statement on an Italian television channel, in which he claimed she \"begged\" him for a photo at the G7 summit. Meloni said, \"Donald Trump's statements are completely fabricated. Frankly, I am surprised. I do not understand why the US President behaves this way towards his allies, especially since this is not the first time. It is disappointing that he does not show the same attitude towards the enemies of the West and the US, but instead treats them with much more leniency. There is something he must not forget: neither I nor Italy ever beg.\"
TAJANI CANCELS US VISIT
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, in a post on his social media account following the tension, stated, \"President Trump's harsh and insulting words towards Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have offended all of Italy. Therefore, I have decided to cancel my planned visit to the US on June 21 and 22.\"
\"BEGGED TO TAKE A PICTURE\"
In a brief interview with La7 TV, Trump said about Meloni, \"She is probably happy that I spoke with her. I did not have to speak with her. She begged me to take a picture with me. She really wanted to take a picture with me. I was not going to take it, but I took pity on her.\"
Previously, Meloni, a strong supporter of Trump, had been the only European leader to attend his inauguration in 2025.
}"