Trump-Meloni Dispute: 'I Was Hurt, But I Don't Want to Escalate Tensions'

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that she does not wish to escalate the dispute with US President Donald Trump. Meloni said, 'Trump's words genuinely hurt me, but I don't want to escalate tensions.' Emphasizing the need for normal relations between Italy and the US, Meloni noted, 'The relationship between the US and Italy is strong. I don't expect any negative repercussions. Our institutional and economic ties are in good shape.' The tension between the two leaders began when Trump claimed that Meloni had begged him for a photo at the G7 Summit in Evian, France. Meloni also discussed quitting smoking, saying, 'I quit smoking on May 1st. All the ashtrays, cigarettes, and lighters were removed from around me. Nobody believed me because I was famous for my weakness for smoking, but I managed to succeed without making it public, which makes me very proud.'