Italy Cancels June 21 US Visit After Trump Escalates Feud With Meloni
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jun 20
Italy Cancels June 21 US Visit After Trump Escalates Feud With Meloni
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jun 20
Summary
Antonio Tajani's June 21-22 U.S. trip was canceled after Rome said Trump's "serious and offensive" remarks about Giorgia Meloni insulted all of Italy.
Trump renewed the clash on Saturday, saying Meloni repeatedly begged for a G7 photo and attacking Italy for refusing U.S. use of landing strips and runways during the Iran war.
Meloni called the accusations "made up" and "senseless," defended Italy's decision as bound by existing agreements, and said the country remains sovereign.
The rupture marks a sharp turn in a relationship once seen as unusually close: Meloni had been one of Trump's strongest European allies, but the Iran war has strained ties with NATO partners.