Italy Cancels U.S. Visit After Trump Mocks PM Meloni

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has canceled a planned visit to the United States following what he described as "serious and insulting" remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

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President Trump's serious and insulting remarks are an insult to the entire Italian people.

Trump, in a leaked interview, claimed Meloni was "dying to take a picture" with him at the recent G7 summit and that he agreed to pose out of pity. He also suggested Meloni might have been happy to speak with him, though he did not need to speak with her.

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I don't know why the President of the United States behaves like this towards his allies.

Meloni vehemently rejected Trump's account, stating on social media that "neither I nor Italy ever begs." She questioned why Trump directs such strong language at his allies rather than "enemies of the West." This incident marks a significant public spat between leaders who have previously shown mutual respect, with Meloni often considered a "pro-Trump" figure in Europe.

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I regret that he does not show the same firmness towards the enemies of the West.

The diplomatic friction follows a previous clash in April when Trump harshly criticized Pope Francis. Meloni condemned Trump's remarks about the Pope at the time, prompting Trump to retaliate with criticism of Meloni, questioning her courage and threatening to withdraw U.S. troops from Italy.

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Trump's claims are fabricated stories. Neither I nor Italy ever begs.