Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni found herself in an uncomfortable encounter with President Trump at the NATO summit in Turkey, as footage of the incident has made its way online.
Earlier today (July 8), the Italian leader experienced what many are calling a brush-off from the US president, following their previous clash at the G7 Summit in France last month.
The friction between the two leaders began when Trump alleged that Meloni had ‘begged’ for a photo opportunity with him at the conference.
Trump remarked, “She begged me to take a picture with her. She wanted a picture with me so badly. I wouldn’t have taken it, but I felt sorry for her.”
In response, Meloni expressed her disbelief, stating she was ‘frankly stunned’ by what she deemed as falsehoods.
Meloni’s statement read: “Italy and I never beg. Some things deserve an immediate response. I don’t know why the US president behaves this way towards his allies.”
She continued, “It’s not the first time it’s happened. I can only say it’s unfortunate he doesn’t show the same determination towards the West’s enemies.”
The tension escalated today when the two leaders came face-to-face for the first time since the altercation.
During the ‘family picture’ session at the summit, Trump passed by Meloni without acknowledging her, leaving her to smile awkwardly and look downward.
Following their dispute in France, Trump reiterated his claims without any effort towards reconciliation with the leader who was once a close ally.
In an interview with NBC News’ Gabe Gutierrez, Trump asserted, “She was a big fan. But I don’t want her as a fan because she was not there – along with the NATO group – having to do with the Strait.”