"One Photo" Sparks Diplomatic Tension Between the U.S. and Italy... Trump Says Meloni "Begged" for the Shot

[Financial News] One photo is pushing U.S.-Italy diplomacy to the brink. A planned visit to the United States by Italy's foreign minister has also been canceled.
The trigger was a photo of Trump and Meloni chatting in a friendly manner.
According to foreign media outlets including CNN on the 19th local time, Trump said in an interview with Italy's La7 TV that Meloni had "begged" to take a photo with him at the recent G7 summit in France, and that he eventually agreed because he felt sorry for her. The interview was broadcast with Italian dubbed translation rather than the original audio.
Meloni was furious over Trump's remarks.
In a video posted on X on the morning of the 19th, she said, "Donald Trump's remarks are completely fabricated," and added, "Frankly, I was shocked. I don't know why the President of the United States would behave this way toward an ally. This is not the first time."
Meloni continued, "All I can say is that he does not show the same resolve toward the enemies of the West and the United States, and instead is far more lenient with their leadership," adding that "this is shameful."
She also said, "But there is one thing we must remember," namely that "Italy and I never beg."
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also canceled a trip to the United States, where he had originally been scheduled to meet Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He scrapped plans to visit the country early next week and attend the Italy-U.S. Business, Investment, Science, and Innovation Forum in Miami, Florida.
According to a statement from the State Department, Rubio had also been scheduled to meet Tajani at the forum to "strengthen cooperation between the United States and Italy on economic security and critical minerals."
According to CNN, this is not the first clash between Trump and Meloni.
Earlier this year, Meloni called Trump's criticism of Pope Leo XIV, who opposed war with Iran, "unacceptable." Trump then lashed out, accusing Meloni and Italy of not doing enough to help the United States in the war.
The conservative politician has long been regarded as Trump's strongest ally in Western Europe. Shortly after Trump's second term began in January last year, she was the only European leader to attend his inauguration.
Meloni and Trump have agreed on issues such as strict immigration policy and national sovereignty.
While Trump has taken a hostile stance toward other European leaders, he has repeatedly praised Meloni personally.
But their relationship soured after Meloni refused to join the war with Iran.
Italy has taken a hard line, including banning U.S. aircraft involved in the Iran war from passing through its airspace and restricting the use of U.S. military bases in Italy.
dympna@fnnews.com Song Kyung-jae Reporter