Donald Trump has hit back at Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni after she accused him of making up a story that she begged him for a picture.
The US president had told an Italian TV channel: "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 an Instagram post yesterday, Ms Meloni said in response: "Donald Trump's statements are completely made up. I am frankly astonished. I don't know why the president of the United States behaves like this towards his allies."
Now, Mr Trump has said on Truth Social: "Italian Prime Minister Gigiorgia [sic] Meloni asked, over and over, for a picture with me during the G-7 meeting in France.
"She is doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity, possibly because she turned down the United States of America, a Country that truly loves and protects Italy, when it came to denying Iran from obtaining or developing a Nuclear Weapon (But so did NATO, for that matter!).
"She wouldn't even let us use Italy's landing strips or runways, a great logistical inconvenience, and this despite the fact the U.S. contributes hundreds of Billions of Dollars a year to protect Italy, and other "so-called" NATO Allies.
"Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again in order to get her 'numbers up.' No thanks!!! President DJT."
Ms Meloni had also criticised him for acting with far greater deference to the West's enemies than he does towards established allies.
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(c) Sky News 2026: Trump hits back at Meloni after she said he 'completely made up' claim she 'begged' him for pi
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