Trump's Comments on Meloni Prompt Italian Foreign Minister to Cancel U.S. Visit
U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in which he claimed she 'begged' him for a photo, have led Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to cancel his planned trip to the United States and triggered a strong response from Meloni.
In an interview broadcast Friday on Italian TV channel La7, Donald Trump, while answering a question about Ukraine, suddenly shifted to a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Trump claimed that Meloni had 'begged' him for a photo together, adding that he had no obligation but felt sorry for the prime minister and agreed.
The remarks triggered an immediate reaction. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani abruptly canceled his planned weekend visit to the United States, calling Trump's words 'serious and offensive' to Meloni and all of Italy. 'Le gravi e offensive parole del Presidente Trump nei confronti del Presidente del Consiglio Giorgia Meloni offendono tutta l’Italia. Per questo motivo ho deciso di annullare la mia visita negli Stati Uniti prevista per i prossimi 21 e 22 giugno,' Tajani wrote on social media.
Meloni herself quickly responded, calling Trump's claims 'completely fabricated' and expressing shock. She said she does not know why the U.S. president treats allies this way, noting it is not the first time. Meloni expressed regret that Trump does not show the same determination against Western enemies but is much more accommodating toward other leaders. She emphasized: 'Italy and I never beg.'
The incident has further strained U.S.-Italy relations, which had already been tense. Meloni initially sought to act as a bridge between Washington and the European Union after Trump began his second term. However, relations have deteriorated due to multiple issues: the U.S. war with Iran, which Meloni has called illegal; Trump's stance on Ukraine, which Italy firmly supports; Trump's tariffs; and U.S. support for Israel in the Gaza war.
