- Donald Trump claimed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni “begged” him for a photograph at the recent G7 summit in France.
- Meloni denied Trump's claim, saying that his comments were “completely made up” and adding: “I don't know why the president of the United States behaves like this towards his allies.”
- Trump has now reiterated his claim, saying that Meloni was “a big fan” of his –but “I don't want her as a fan” due to her approach to the conflict over the Strait of Hormuz.
- Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani earlier condemned Trump's remarks as "serious and offensive" and cancelled an upcoming trip to the United States.
- Trump and Meloni’s relationship took a turn earlier this year, after she called his criticisms of Pope Leo XIV “unacceptable.”
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