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Trump and Italy's Giorgia Meloni used to be buds. But a rift is widening

NPR News · Jun 19, 2026, 8:32 PM · Also reported by 4 other sources

Why this matters: a developing story that could shape the day's news cycle.

"Italy and I do not beg," Meloni said in a video rebuke posted on social media Friday. Italy's top diplomat, meanwhile, said he was cancelling a visit to the U.S because of the alleged remarks.

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NY Times Italy Doesn’t ‘Beg,’ Giorgia Meloni Tells Trump The Hill Trump doubles down on criticism of Italy's Meloni: 'She was a big fan' BBC News Italy's Meloni says Trump 'made up' story that she 'begged' him for photo at G7 Euronews Giorgia Meloni fires back at Trump's 'completely made-up claims'

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Trump and Italy's Giorgia Meloni used to be buds. But a rift is widening

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