Italy Angered as Trump Comments Spark Diplomatic Row

PARIS: (Web Desk) – Italy has strongly reacted after US President Donald Trump reportedly made critical remarks about Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, triggering a diplomatic dispute and prompting Rome to cancel a high-level visit to the United States.

According to a transcript of a phone interview, Trump claimed Meloni “begged” him for a photograph during the G7 summit and suggested he only agreed out of sympathy. He also made dismissive remarks about their interactions, further escalating tensions.

Meloni responded sharply, calling the comments “made up” and insisting, “Neither I nor Italy ever beg.” She said she was “frankly stunned” and questioned why the US president would speak in such a manner about an allied leader.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described the remarks as “grave and offensive” and announced the cancellation of his planned visit to the United States scheduled for June 21–22. The US State Department confirmed that a related business conference in Miami had also been cancelled.

Trump Applauds Pakistan’s Mediation Efforts in Iran Agreement

Other Italian officials also criticized the comments, with the justice and defence ministers calling them harmful to bilateral relations.

The controversy comes after already strained relations between the two leaders, particularly over disagreements linked to NATO contributions and the Middle East conflict. Earlier disputes had already led to public exchanges between Trump and Meloni, including criticism over Italy’s positions on US foreign policy and European security commitments.

The latest remarks have now deepened tensions between Washington and Rome at a sensitive diplomatic moment following the recent G7 summit.