Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni rejects U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that she “begged” for a photo with him at the G-7 summit in France. Multiple outlets report that Meloni responds by saying “Italy and I do not beg,” describing Trump’s remarks as fabricated and disrespectful toward allies. Italian officials also characterize the comments as “serious and offensive.”
In parallel, Italy’s foreign minister cancels a planned U.S. trip. Sources say the decision follows Trump’s remarks and is presented by the Italian government as a protest, with the foreign minister stating that the words offend Italy. CBS and other outlets report that Trump made the “begged” and photo-related comments after a meeting at the G-7, and that he also suggested he felt sorry for Meloni.
Overall, the reports describe an expanding rift between the two leaders, with Italy publicly challenging the account and taking diplomatic action by calling off the envoy’s U.S. visit.
