Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has hit back at US President Donald Trump after he claimed she had 'begged' him for a photograph during the recent G7 summit.
According to Trump, Meloni 'wanted a picture with me so badly' and he agreed only because he 'felt sorry for her.'
However, Meloni has rejected Trump's version of events, calling his account 'completely made up' and expressing shock at his remarks.
The dispute has escalated, with Italy's foreign minister Antonio Tajani cancelling a planned trip to the United States and condemning Trump's comments as an insult to the country.
The public spat marks a sharp downturn in relations between two leaders who were once seen as ideological allies.
