Italian FM cancels U.S. trip after Trump’s remarks on Meloni

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced he was canceling his upcoming trip to the U.S., where he was scheduled to meet Secretary of State Marco Rubio and attend the Italy‑U.S. Business, Investment, Science and Innovation Forum in Miami.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and U.S. President Donald Trump have clashed again, sparking a diplomatic fallout that led Italy’s foreign minister to cancel a planned trip to Washington.

The controversy erupted after Trump told Italy’s La7 TV that Meloni had “begged” him for a photo at the G7 summit in France, claiming he agreed only because he “felt sorry for her.” The remarks, translated and broadcast in Italy, prompted a sharp rebuke from Meloni, who released a video calling the comments “completely fabricated” and “shocking.”

“Donald Trump’s statements are completely fabricated. I’m frankly shocked. I don’t know why the president of the United States behaves this way towards his own allies,” Meloni said. “Italy and I never beg.” She added that Trump showed more determination with allies than with “the enemies of the West.”

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced he was canceling his upcoming trip to the U.S., where he was scheduled to meet Secretary of State Marco Rubio and attend the Italy‑U.S. Business, Investment, Science and Innovation Forum in Miami. Tajani described Trump’s remarks as “offensive.”

The incident marks another downturn in relations between Trump and Meloni, who were once close allies. Earlier this year, Meloni condemned Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV over his opposition to the war against Iran, calling the remarks “unacceptable.” Trump responded by accusing Italy of failing to sufficiently support U.S. efforts in the conflict.

The latest spat comes just days after the G7 summit in Evian, where leaders sought to project unity on Ukraine and Iran. Instead, Trump’s comments have reopened rifts with European allies, highlighting the fragile state of transatlantic relations.