Overview
- Italian channel La7 published comments by President Donald Trump in which he said Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni “literally begged” him for a photograph at the G7.
- Meloni responded in a video on X calling Trump’s account “completely made up” and saying she was shocked by the remarks.
- Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced he has canceled a scheduled visit to the United States for June 21–22 in direct response to Trump’s comments.
- Defense Minister Guido Crosetto publicly defended Meloni, saying he could not imagine her asking for a photo and arguing that the remarks harm Italy’s standing.
- The exchange follows rising tensions between the two leaders since spring 2026 and risks complicating cooperation forged at the recent G7 summit on issues such as Ukraine and a Middle East ceasefire.