Meloni hits back at Trump claim: 'Neither I nor Italy ever beg'
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni rejected in strong terms a claim by US President Donald Trump that she had "begged" him for a photograph. Meloni cited the two countries' shared NATO commitment and ongoing trade talks. The row comes in the shadow of last week's G7 summit.
France 24 reported that Meloni, in remarks to reporters in Rome, called Trump's claim "entirely made up". "Neither I nor Italy ever beg," she said, adding that she expects dialogue based on mutual respect between the two countries.
The row erupted after Trump, at a weekend rally, recounted private anecdotes involving European leaders. He said Meloni had pressed to be photographed beside him at the G7 summit. Italian media reported that the prime minister's office released video showing what was a standard family photograph at the official protocol moment.
Meloni's government is in a series of negotiations with Washington on digital services tax, steel tariffs and Ukraine support. Reuters reported that Italian diplomats said the personal friction would not affect economic talks at the institutional level. The dispute echoes other public exchanges between Trump and European allies in recent months.
Read next
Lebanon's ancient monuments remain at risk from Israeli strikes
According to Al Jazeera, ancient monuments in southern Lebanon remain at risk of damage from Israeli strikes as ceasefire violations continue. UNESCO and local archaeologists warn that some losses could be irreversible.
Slain Al Jazeera journalist Ahmed Wishah remembered as 'kind and principled' by Gaza colleagues
Colleen Harkin quits Australia's Liberal Party after praising One Nation
China releases hypersonic missile launch footage as analysts read 'deterrence signal'
Morocco beats Scotland 1-0 at World Cup as Rabat streets fill with celebrating fans
