Topline
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled his upcoming visit to the U.S. this weekend after President Trump lobbed “serious and offensive” words toward Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, sparking tension between the U.S. and Italy after Trump claimed Meloni “begged” for a photo with him at this week’s G7 summit.
Meloni pushed back against Trump’s comments Saturday morning.
Photo by Antonio Masiello/Getty Images
Key Facts
Tajani said in a social media post he was cancelling his June 21 visit to the U.S., noting Trump’s words “offend all of Italy.”
Meloni addressed the matter in a video statement early Friday morning, “Neither I nor Italy ever beg,” saying Trump fabricated his claims.
What Exactly Did Trump Say?
Trump reportedly told Italian broadcaster La7 that Meloni “begged for a photo with me” and was “happy that we talked, I didn’t have to.” He also claimed Meloni wanted the photo “so badly… I wouldn’t have taken it, but I felt sorry for her.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.