After being accused by Trump of 'begging' for a photo together, the Italian Prime Minister responded sharply.

According to the Reuters, US President Donald Trump She claimed in an interview with Italian media that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had "begged" to be photographed with her at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. Meloni later stated that she was "utterly astonished" by these claims, which she considered "completely fabricated."

Video footage from the conference in France shows Meloni and Trump sitting next to each other on a small sofa and chatting for quite a while. According to La7, Trump said in a short interview: "Perhaps Mrs. Meloni was happy that I spoke with her. I didn't need to talk to her. She was begging me to take a picture with her, she wanted a photo with me that much. I wasn't planning on taking it, but I felt sorry for her."

These statements immediately drew a strong reaction from Rome. Following the incident, Mrs. Meloni They immediately responded on social media: "Donald Trump's statements are completely fabricated. Frankly, I'm astonished. I don't understand why the President of the United States would behave this way towards his allies. This isn't the first time either."

"There's one thing he should remember: I and Italy never beg anyone.", she added.

The Italian Prime Minister also publicly criticized Trump for being more lenient towards Western adversaries than towards long-standing allies.

"I can only say that it's disappointing that he didn't show the same toughness toward the enemies of the West and of America, whom he treated much more leniently.", said Meloni.

In an interview with NBC News that same day, Trump continued to criticize Meloni. "She used to be a big fan of mine. But I don't want her to be a fan anymore, because she hasn't sided with us, along with other NATO countries, on the issue concerning the strait.", Mr. Trump said.