Rome, June 20: Diplomatic tensions have escalated between Washington and Rome following comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump. In response, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini defended Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Saturday, reaffirming solidarity within the government.
Speaking at an event in Milan, Salvini stated, “I can only reiterate that anyone who attacks the Prime Minister is attacking the entire government and all of Italy. However, this will not affect the relationship between our two friendly nations and their people.”
The controversy began when Trump alleged that Meloni had “begged” to take a photo with him at the G-7 summit and was “absent” on issues related to the Strait of Hormuz. He remarked, “She was supportive of me, but now I don’t like her.”
In response, Meloni took to social media to label Trump’s claims regarding the photo as “completely fabricated” and expressed surprise at the U.S. President’s attitude towards allied nations.
As the dispute intensified, Italian President Sergio Mattarella expressed solidarity with Meloni. Additionally, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled his trip to the U.S. Tajani wrote on X, “President Trump’s serious and disrespectful words towards Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are an insult to all of Italy. This is why I have decided to cancel my planned visit to the U.S. on June 21 and 22.”
Reports indicate that Trump, during a phone interview with Italy’s TV program ‘L’Aria Che Tira,’ stated, “Giorgia Meloni begged to take a photo with me. She wanted a picture with me. I probably wouldn’t have done it, but I felt sorry for her.”
During the interview, Trump also asked a reporter, “How is your Prime Minister?” When questioned about his conversation with Meloni at the G-7 summit, he replied, “Perhaps she is happy that I spoke to her. I had no obligation to talk to her.”
Trump further commented that Europe has made serious mistakes regarding both energy and immigration policies. He stated, “Europeans have gotten everything wrong on energy policy and everything wrong on immigration. If they do not solve these issues, Europe will never be the same again.”
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