A diplomatic dispute has emerged between the United States and Italy following comments by U.S. President Donald Trump about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. According to U.S. media reports, Trump told Italy’s La-7 television that Meloni had “begged” him for a photo during the recent G7 summit. He claimed she was desperate to take the picture, and he agreed only out of pity.

Meloni swiftly responded on social media, calling Trump’s remarks “completely fabricated.” She said neither she nor Italy ever “begs” for anything and expressed surprise at the U.S. president’s behavior toward allies. Meloni questioned why Trump treats his allies this way while showing greater tolerance toward adversaries of the Western world and the United States.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also condemned Trump’s comments as insulting to Italy and announced the cancellation of his planned U.S. visit scheduled for June 21–22. The exchange has stirred political debate in both countries and added strain to transatlantic relations.