ROME: Diplomatic tensions between the United States and Italy have escalated after controversial remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the cancellation of his planned visit to Washington, where he was scheduled to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The decision came in response to Trump’s comments, which Italian officials described as “offensive.”
The controversy began after Trump claimed in an interview that Meloni had requested a photo with him during the G7 summit and that he agreed “out of sympathy.” Italian Prime Minister Meloni strongly rejected the claim, calling it completely fabricated and inappropriate.
In a video statement, Meloni expressed surprise that the U.S. president would use such language about a close ally, emphasizing that Italy had never sought favors from anyone and that such impressions were misleading.
Diplomatic sources said the canceled visit was also meant to include participation in the Italy-U.S. Business, Investment, Science, and Innovation Forum, along with discussions on economic cooperation, strategic security, and critical resources.
Analysts said that the dispute could strain bilateral ties and complicate broader relations between Washington and its European allies, especially at a time when efforts were underway to strengthen cooperation following the recent G7 summit.
