politics
Italian leader responds after U.S. president comments on relationship
The U.S. president described a photo request at a recent summit as a favor. The Italian prime minister called the account fabricated and said neither she nor Italy begs for attention.
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An interview released Friday by Italian broadcaster LA7 quoted the U.S. president saying an Italian leader had asked for a photograph at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. The president added that the request prompted sympathy. The Italian leader posted a video reply hours later, stating the account was fabricated and that neither she nor Italy had begged for the photo.
The exchange occurred two days after the summit ended. The next day the U.S. president posted on Truth Social that the Italian leader's popularity had suffered because of a decision to turn down the United States. The Italian leader replied that friendship with the U.S. president had not helped her standing.
Background on prior tensions The two officials had already differed publicly over the war in the Middle East and the pope earlier in the spring. Italian air bases have been used for U.S. military operations. The public statements lasted less than 48 hours and drew attention inside Italy to possible effects on trade relations.
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