Washington: A diplomatic controversy between the United States and Italy escalated on Friday after Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelled his planned visit to the US, following remarks by US President Donald Trump that were widely seen as mocking Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Tajani was scheduled to travel to Miami on June 21–22 for meetings with senior American officials. However, he called off the trip, describing Trump’s comments as “serious and offensive” and saying they insulted both Meloni and the Italian state.
In a post on X, Tajani said, “The serious and offensive words of President Trump towards Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offend all of Italy. For this reason, I have decided to cancel my visit to the United States scheduled for the next 21 and 22 June.”
The controversy erupted after Trump, in an interview with Italian broadcaster La7, reportedly claimed that Meloni had “begged” him for a photograph during the recent G7 summit in Evian, France, and that he agreed only because he “felt sorry for her.”
Meloni strongly rejected the claim, calling it “completely fabricated” and insisting that neither she nor Italy “begs.” In a video message, she expressed shock at Trump’s remarks and questioned why the US President would treat allies in such a manner.
The incident has marked a sharp downturn in relations between the two leaders, who were previously seen as ideological allies. Meloni had maintained close ties with Trump and was the only European leader to attend his inauguration in January 2025.
Support for the Italian Prime Minister has come from across the political spectrum in Italy. President Sergio Mattarella and several ministers backed her publicly, while Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said he could not imagine Meloni ever pleading for a photograph.
The dispute also comes amid broader tensions between Washington and Rome over issues including the Ukraine war, the Middle East conflict, and Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV, further straining an already fragile diplomatic alignment.
