Italy cancels US visit amid Trump–Meloni dispute over G7 photo claim
A diplomatic dispute between the United States and Italy has intensified after remarks by US President Donald Trump about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni led to the cancellation of a planned visit by Italy’s top diplomat to Washington.
The tension began when Trump claimed that Meloni had “begged” him for a photograph during the recent G7 summit in France. He further suggested she was eager to be seen with him, comments that were widely reported in media interviews.
Meloni strongly rejected the statements, saying they were “completely fabricated” and expressing surprise at Trump’s remarks toward an allied leader. She responded publicly, insisting the claims were false and questioning his behavior toward close partners.
Following the exchange, Italy’s foreign ministry cancelled an upcoming diplomatic trip to the United States, signaling rising strain between the two governments.
Despite past political alignment and previous meetings between Meloni and Trump, the latest incident has created fresh friction in their relationship.
