'Shameful': Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni slams Donald Trump, criticises US President over G7 photo

Rome: US President Donald Trump has often insulted world leaders with his outlandish statements, but this time the tables have turned completely. Trump has crossed paths with Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has publicly shattered his ego. The incident stemmed from a remark Trump made regarding a photograph taken during the recent G7 summit in France, sparking the Italian PM's outrage. Meloni slammed Trump, bluntly calling his behavior "shameful."

What did Donald Trump claim about Giorgia Meloni?

The controversy began when US President Donald Trump made a contentious claim about Meloni during a phone interview with an Italian media outlet. The G7 summit, attended by major world leaders, was held in the French city of Évian from June 15 to 17. Following the summit, Trump—true to form—boasted that Giorgia Meloni had been following him around.
Mockingly, Trump said, "Meloni was probably thrilled that I spoke to her, even though I didn't really need to. She was practically begging to have her picture taken with me. She wanted a photo with me at any cost. I wouldn't have taken the picture, but I felt a bit sorry for her, so I agreed."

How did Giorgia Meloni counter Donald Trump?

Instead of remaining silent in the face of this insulting statement, Meloni decided to respond to Trump in kind. She released a video message on social media, blasting Trump and stating, "These statements by Donald Trump are completely fabricated and false. Honestly, I am utterly shocked by this behavior of his." "I fail to understand why the President of the United States treats his own most trusted allies so shabbily. This is not the first time he has done something like this."

Meloni stated, "It is deeply shameful that Trump expends all his energy belittling his friends, yet his tone shifts completely when it comes to the West's and America's true adversaries. He becomes incredibly soft towards enemies and dictators who pose a threat to the world; however, Trump must always remember one thing—neither I nor my country, Italy, ever beg anyone."

How did Italy react to Donald Trump's statement?

Following Meloni's scathing retort, the conflict has escalated beyond a mere clash between two leaders; it has created a major rift in the diplomatic relations between the two nations. Italy is so incensed by Trump's insult to its Prime Minister that the government has taken drastic and firm action. Consequently, Italian Deputy PM Antonio Tajani has decided to cancel his scheduled official visit to the United States—planned for June 21 and 22—with immediate effect.