Meloni rebukes Trump over G7 photo claim; Italy cancels US visit
What's new: Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani scrapped a June 21-22 trip, calling Trump's remarks offensive to all of Italy.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sharply pushed back after President Donald Trump said she had “begged” for a photo with him at this week’s G7 summit, calling his account “completely made up.” Meloni said she was “astonished” and added that “neither I nor Italy ever beg.” The public dispute exposed a widening strain between two leaders long seen as close political allies. Italy’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, then canceled a planned June 21-22 visit to the United States, writing on X that Trump’s words toward Meloni were serious and offensive and insulted all of Italy. The clash came after recent tensions over the Middle East conflict.