Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has cancelled a planned visit to the United States following reported remarks by US President Donald Trump that appeared to 'mock' Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Tajani on Friday called off his visit to the United States, which had been scheduled for June 21 and 22, after comments attributed to Trump sparked anger in Italy.
"The grave and offensive words of President Trump offend the whole of Italy," Tajani wrote on X.
Meloni said she was "stunned" by remarks attributed to Trump during an interview with Italian broadcaster La7. According to a transcript released by the network, Trump said Meloni "wanted a picture with me so badly" during the G7 summit and that he agreed only because he "felt sorry for her".
He also suggested that Meloni might be "happy that I talked to her, I didn't have to talk to her".
Meloni rejected the remarks, terming them as "made up".
"Neither I nor Italy ever beg," she said.
The Italian prime minister questioned Trump's conduct towards allies, saying she regretted that he did not show the same firmness towards opponents of the West and the United States.
Speaking after the G7 summit in Evian on Wednesday, Meloni had described the atmosphere as positive and said there had been no friction between Trump and other leaders attending the gathering.
Meloni has sought to position herself as a bridge between Europe and the Trump administration, but relations have faced strain during the Middle East conflict.
Tensions between the two leaders increased in April after Meloni defended Pope Leo XIV against criticism from Trump over the pontiff's anti-war views.
At the time, Trump expressed disappointment with Meloni and accused Italy of failing to assist the United States within NATO.
Trump has also threatened to withdraw US troops from Italy, arguing that Rome had not provided sufficient support to Washington during the Iran conflict.
It is pertinent to note that Trump told La7 television's Aria che Tira programme on Friday that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni "begged me to take a picture with her" during their meeting at this week's G7 summit.
