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"I felt sorry for him"/ Clashes between Trump and Meloni, Italian Prime Minister: Italy and I do not beg anyone

2026-06-19 17:16:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

"I felt sorry for him"/ Clashes between Trump and Meloni, Italian

A strong diplomatic clash has erupted between the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, and the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, after Trump stated in an interview with the Italian television La7 that Meloni had asked him to take a picture with her.

"He begged to take a picture with me; I felt sorry for him ," Trump said, sparking immediate reactions in Italy.

Meloni categorically rejected these claims, calling them completely fabricated. In a message published on her Instagram account, she said she was "truly shocked" by the US president's statements.

"I don't know why the US president behaves this way towards allies. But there is one thing he must remember: neither I nor Italy beg anyone ," declared Meloni.

The tensions between the two leaders have also led to diplomatic repercussions. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned visit to the United States early next week.

The public clash comes just days after Trump and Meloni were seen chatting amicably during the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. After the meeting, Meloni stated that their relationship remained unchanged and that there had been no disagreements.

However, the once close political relationship appears to have frayed. Meloni was the only European leader to attend Trump's inauguration in January 2025 and was often seen as a bridge between the European Union and the US administration.

The row escalated after Italy opposed US military intervention in Iran. Trump had previously criticized Meloni, saying he thought she was "brave" but was disappointed. Meloni also reacted sharply when Trump attacked Pope Leo XIV, calling his comments unacceptable.

Trump's latest statements have sparked a wave of support for the Italian prime minister. Italian President Sergio Mattarella immediately called Meloni to express his solidarity.

Opposition figures also came to her defense. Democratic Party senator Filippo Sensi said no one had the right to address Italy's prime minister in such an arrogant tone. Five Star Movement leader Giuseppe Conte said Italy did not deserve such humiliation and that relations with Washington should not be put above national dignity.

From Meloni's party, the "Brothers of Italy", Senator Lucio Malan said that Trump's comments are part of a broader pattern of verbal attacks on European leaders and that they mainly damage the image of the American president himself.

Meanwhile, government ally Matteo Salvini reacted curtly: " Whoever attacks Giorgian, attacks all of us." /CNA





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