Trump-Meloni Feud Deepens as Italy Cancels US Diplomat Visit

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has accused President Donald Trump of fabricating a story that she “begged” him for a photo at the G7 summit in France, triggering a diplomatic crisis that has led Italy to cancel a planned official visit to the United States. The public feud marks a dramatic deterioration in what was once considered the strongest U.S.-European alliance under the Trump administration.

The Allegation and Response

The dispute erupted after Trump gave a phone interview to Italian broadcaster La7 in which he claimed that Meloni had pleaded with him for a photograph at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, held June 16-18. According to a dubbed Italian translation of the interview — the original English audio has not been released — Trump said: “She begged me to take a photo with her. She wanted a photo with me so badly — I could have skipped it, but I felt sorry for her,” as NPR reported.

Meloni responded swiftly with a video posted on Instagram and X, calling Trump’s statements “completely fabricated.” She said she was “frankly stunned” and questioned why the U.S. president would behave this way toward his own allies. “I can only say it’s a shame he doesn’t show the same resolve toward the enemies of the West,” she added, delivering a pointed closing line: “Italy and I do not beg.”

Diplomatic Fallout

The rift moved from social media to concrete diplomatic action when Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned trip to the United States — a business forum in Miami scheduled for June 21-22. Tajani called Trump’s alleged comments “serious and offensive” to all of Italy, according to BBC News.

Politicians across Italy’s political spectrum rallied behind Meloni. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini declared: “Whoever attacks Giorgia Meloni attacks all of us.” Even Meloni’s political opponents came to her defense, with center-left former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi calling Trump’s statements “horrifying, as always” — though he added a pointed jab that Meloni had “finally” noticed. Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella phoned Meloni to offer his personal support.

The feud showed no signs of cooling over the weekend. On Saturday, Trump doubled down on his Truth Social platform, claiming Meloni had asked “over and over” for a picture and questioning her popularity in Italy. He also accused her of not supporting U.S. efforts in the Iran conflict, writing: “Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again in order to get her ‘numbers up.’ No thanks!!!” as NBC News reported.

Meloni fired back on Instagram with a sharp retort: “These constant unprovoked attacks are senseless. As for my popularity, being your friend certainly has not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you. My popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours.”

In a phone call with NBC News, Trump insisted his claim was true, saying Meloni “wasn’t there for us” regarding the Strait of Hormuz — the vital waterway that Iran blocked after the U.S. and Israel launched military operations in late February. Trump has repeatedly complained that NATO allies did not offer help to American forces during the conflict.

A Relationship in Rupture

Meloni was once considered Trump’s closest ally in Europe. She was the only European Union leader invited to his second inauguration in January 2025, and Trump previously called her a “fantastic woman” who was “really taking Europe by storm.” But the relationship began to fracture in April when Trump attacked Pope Leo XIV on social media after the pontiff condemned U.S. military action in Iran. Meloni called the attacks “unacceptable,” and Trump retaliated by telling Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera: “I thought she had courage, but I was wrong.”

Meloni’s refusal to allow U.S. forces to use Italian air bases for operations in Iran — a decision Trump views as a betrayal — has been a recurring source of tension.

Verification Questions

A notable aspect of the story is that La7 has only released a dubbed Italian translation of Trump’s interview, not the original English audio. NPR, the BBC, and other outlets have noted that they cannot independently verify Trump’s exact words. The journalist who conducted the interview, Daniele Compatangelo, did not respond to NPR’s request to hear the original recording, as BBC News noted.

Broader Implications

The falling out between Meloni and Trump represents more than a personal spat. As the BBC noted, “where once European allies accommodated President Trump, now they’re more ready to challenge.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticized Trump over his remarks about UK forces in Afghanistan, and other European leaders have refused to allow U.S. bombers to use their air bases for the Iran conflict. Diplomats say European leaders have shown more resolve since the U.S. threatened Greenland earlier in 2026.

Right-wing European parties, which initially saw Trump as a political fellow traveler, are now distancing themselves from their American counterparts. The feud has also revived discussions about Europe pursuing a more strategically autonomous path, less dependent on the United States.

What to Watch

Key questions remain unanswered: Will the White House issue an official response to Meloni’s accusations? Will La7 release the original English audio of Trump’s interview? And will Foreign Minister Tajani reschedule his U.S. visit, or does this mark a longer-term freeze in diplomatic engagement? The answers will shape not only U.S.-Italy relations but also the broader transatlantic alliance at a time of significant geopolitical tension.