Trump Claims Meloni 'Begged' for G7 Photo; Italian PM Denies Allegation
US President Donald Trump claimed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni "begged" him for a photograph at the recent G7 Summit in France, saying he agreed only out of pity. Meloni strongly denied the allegation, calling it "completely made up" and criticized Trump's treatment of allies compared to adversaries. The controversy sparked political backlash in Italy, with Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani canceling a planned US visit in protest. The incident marks a notable strain in the previously close relationship between the two leaders.