19/06/2026
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19/06/2026
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ROME, Jun 19: Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has canceled a planned visit to Washington after US President Donald Trump claimed that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had “begged” him for a photograph during the recent G7 summit, triggering a diplomatic dispute between the two allies.
The controversy began after Trump told Italian broadcaster La7 that Meloni had repeatedly sought a photo with him at the summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, and that he agreed only because he “felt sorry for her.” Meloni swiftly rejected the claim, describing it as “completely fabricated” and saying she was astonished by the US president’s remarks.
“I don’t know why the president of the United States behaves this way toward his own allies,” Meloni said in a video statement, adding, “There is one thing he should remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg.”
In response, Tajani announced the cancellation of his scheduled trip to the United States, where he had been due to attend the Italy-US Business, Investment, Science and Innovation Forum in Miami and meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Calling Trump’s remarks “serious and offensive,” Tajani said they were an insult not only to Meloni but to Italy as a whole. The decision marks one of the strongest diplomatic responses by Rome to Trump since his return to office.
The dispute comes despite recent efforts by both leaders to present a united front during the G7 summit, where they were seen holding friendly discussions and publicly described their relationship as positive. However, the latest exchange has exposed deeper tensions that have emerged in recent months over foreign policy issues.
Relations between Rome and Washington have been strained by disagreements over the conflicts involving Iran and Ukraine. Meloni has supported continued backing for Kyiv and has criticized aspects of US policy in the Middle East, while Trump has openly challenged several European allies over security and defense issues.
The Italian government rallied behind Meloni following Trump's comments. Italian President Sergio Mattarella reportedly expressed support for the prime minister, while senior ministers defended her against Trump's remarks.
Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said he could not imagine Meloni ever begging anyone for a photograph, while Justice Minister Carlo Nordio warned that the episode risked damaging the traditionally close relationship between Italy and the United States.
The latest clash underscores growing friction between two leaders who once appeared closely aligned, raising questions about the future of one of Europe's most important partnerships with Washington.