'Astonished': Meloni hits back at Trump's claim she 'begged' him for photo (opens original article in a new tab)

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni accused Donald Trump of fabricating a story about her begging for a photo at a G7 summit, leading to a diplomatic row and cancellation of an Italian foreign minister's US visit. Trump's comments marked a sharp deterioration in their relationship, which had previously shown signs of improvement.

• Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni accused Donald Trump of fabricating a story about her begging for a photo at a G7 summit
• Trump claimed he was reluctant to take a photo with Meloni, saying she 'begged' him and he only did so out of pity
• Italy's foreign minister canceled a US visit following Trump's comments, calling them 'grave and offensive'
• Meloni and Trump's relationship has deteriorated after previous tensions over the Iran war and NATO support