A diplomatic war of words between U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni escalated Friday, with Italy's top diplomat canceling a planned visit to the United States.
The dispute stems from Trump's claim that Meloni 'begged' him for a photograph during this week's Group of Seven (G7) meeting in France.
Trump told Italy's La7 television: 'She was probably happy I talked to her. I didn't need to talk to her. She begged me for a photo together. She wanted a photo with me so much that I couldn't refuse, but I felt sorry for her.' The channel aired only an Italian-dubbed version, with no original English audio.
On February 21, Meloni posted a video response, insisting 'some things deserve an immediate response.' She said: 'Donald Trump's statements are completely fabricated. I am truly stunned. I don't know why the U.S. president behaves this way with his allies. After all, this is not the first time this has happened.'
As a far-right leader with an anti-immigration platform, Meloni was once seen as one of Trump's most supportive partners in Europe. She met Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort after his 2024 election victory and attended his inauguration in January 2025.
However, during Trump's second term the two leaders have disagreed on several issues, including support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, Trump's threats to seize Denmark's Greenland territory, and his criticism of Pope Leo.
In her video, Meloni said it was unfortunate that Trump does not show 'the same determination against the enemies of the West, the enemies of the United States' as his statements against her. She accused the U.S. president of being 'much more lenient' with enemies than with allies. 'But there is one thing he has to remember: Italy and I do not beg,' she said.
Shortly after Meloni's video, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the cancellation of his weekend trip to the U.S., where he had planned to attend a business forum in Miami, Florida, and meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He called Trump's statements 'serious and insulting.'
Several other Italian government officials also weighed in. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio said Trump's remarks tarnished the legacy of American soldiers who died in World War II. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said he did not believe Meloni would beg for a photo, 'even under threat.'
The White House has not yet responded to Meloni's comments.
