Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni slams Trump's claim she 'begged' for a photo with him

ROME - The Italian government closed ranks on Friday to slam U.S. [KSAT 12]

Italian Government Slams Trump's Claims Over G7 Summit Meeting

In a strong rebuke, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has cancelled his trip to the United States this weekend after President Donald Trump claimed that Premier Giorgia Meloni had "begged" for a photo with him during the recent G7 summit. The Italian government sees this as an affront to Meloni and the country's sovereignty.

Tajani described Trump's claims as "serious and offensive" towards Meloni and Italy, prompting the cancellation of his planned visit. In response, Meloni released a video statement clarifying that her meeting with Trump was not an act of begging, but rather a professional courtesy. She emphasized that "Italy and I do not beg," highlighting the need for respect in diplomatic interactions.

The Italian government's swift reaction suggests that they have had enough of Trump's boasting and criticism. The cancellation of Tajani's trip serves as a clear message that Italy will no longer tolerate such behavior from its allies, let alone world leaders. [ABC13 Eyewitness News]