Trump Repeats Meloni Photo Claim as Italy Cancels June 21 U.S. Visit
Updated
Updated · Forbes · Jun 19
Trump Repeats Meloni Photo Claim as Italy Cancels June 21 U.S. Visit
3 articles · Updated · Forbes · Jun 19
Summary
Antonio Tajani canceled his June 21 trip to Washington after calling Donald Trump’s remarks about Giorgia Meloni “serious and offensive,” scrapping a planned meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Trump nonetheless told NBC News that Meloni “was a big fan” and defended his earlier claim that she had “begged” for a photo at the G7 summit.
Meloni rejected that account in a video statement, saying “Neither I nor Italy ever beg,” accusing Trump of fabrication and questioning why he treats allies this way.
The clash deepens a rift between two leaders once seen as close allies, after earlier strains over U.S. military access, Iran and Trump’s attacks on Pope Leo XIV.