Chicago – June 19, 2026
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani abruptly canceled his planned visit to the United States this weekend, declaring President Donald Trump’s comments about Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni “serious and offensive” to Italy.
The diplomatic clash erupted after Trump told Italian network La7 that Meloni “begged” for a photo with him at the recent G7 summit in France, claiming he “felt sorry for her”. Meloni fiercely rejected the account, calling it “totally invented” and “completely made up”.
Tajani was scheduled to attend a business forum in Miami and meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on June 21–22 but announced the cancellation Friday. He emphasized that “no one is allowed to offend Italy in such a manner”.
The incident marks a sharp deterioration in ties between the two allies, who previously enjoyed close relations. While Meloni later stated there were “no recriminations” between her and Trump, the foreign minister’s trip cancellation underscores the gravity of the dispute.
