Italy Cancels US Visit After Trump Photo Claim
Trump said Italian leader Giorgia Meloni begged for a photo with him. The photo was taken at the G7 summit in France.
Trump made the remarks in an interview with Italian TV. He said he felt sorry for her and agreed to the photo.
Meloni strongly denied this. She posted a video saying neither she nor Italy ever begs.
She said Trump totally made up the story. Italy's Foreign Minister then canceled a planned visit to the US.
Leaders across Italy backed Meloni. President Sergio Mattarella and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto both supported her.
Trump and Meloni were once on friendly terms. But this dispute has damaged that relationship.
Klear Note — The G7 is a group of seven wealthy nations that meet yearly. Italy is a member. Meloni leads Italy's government.
Key Terms 2
- G7 summit Meeting of leaders from 7 of the world's richest countries
- Foreign Minister Government leader who handles a country's relations with other countries