"Donald Trump's statements are entirely fabricated. Honestly, I am utterly astonished. I do not understand why the US president behaves this way with his allies. Moreover, this is not the first time," Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni stated on 19/6.

Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni in France on 17/6. *Photo: AP*

Prime minister Meloni's comments followed Italian television channel La7's recounting of an interview with president Trump, in which he claimed the Italian leader "begged for a photo." Trump and Meloni participated in the G7 summit in France from 15-17/6.

"'She desperately wanted a picture with me. Normally I would not do it, but I felt sorry for her,' Trump said. However, the television channel did not release the original video or audio of Trump's interview, only broadcasting the recounted conversation."

The US president also suggested that the Italian prime minister "was probably very happy" that he spent time talking with her, even though he did not necessarily have to.

La7 channel recounts exchange with president Trump at G7. *Video: X/DD_Geopolitics*

Prime minister Meloni expressed regret that Trump did not show similar toughness with Western adversaries, instead appearing much more amiable and yielding.

"'Neither Italy nor I ever beg anyone,' Meloni wrote on X."

Italian foreign minister Antonio Tajani announced the cancellation of his upcoming visit to the US next week, stating that Trump's words "attacked the entire nation of Italy."

US president Donald Trump (left) converses with Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni at the G7 summit in France on 17/6. *Photo: AFP*

This development deepens the rift in US-Italy relations, which were already strained due to the conflict in Iran. Meloni was once a supporter of president Trump and was the only European leader to attend his inauguration in 1/2025.

Trump began criticizing Meloni in april, after the Italian leader defended Pope Leo XIV against harsh criticism from the US president.

Nhu Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)