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Diplomacy · Geopolitics · Italy · US
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly condemned former President Donald Trump after he claimed she "begged" for a photo at the recent G7 summit in France, leading to a significant diplomatic rift and the cancellation of a high-level visit.
Meloni, 49, stated in an Instagram video that Trump's comments were "completely fabricated" and she was "appalled," asserting "Italy and I never beg." She criticized Trump, 80, for not showing similar determination against "enemies of the West." In response, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled his planned visit to the United States, announcing on X that Trump's "serious and offensive words" offended "all of Italy." Defense Minister Guido Crosetto also defended Meloni, emphasizing the cost of prioritizing Italy's interests despite Trump's past remarks. This incident highlights a growing divergence between Meloni and Trump, who were once considered close allies, particularly over issues like the Iran war and the defense of Pope Leo XIV.
