Trump-Meloni public dispute erupts

Trump told Italian TV Meloni 'begged' him; she denies, Rome cancels US visits.

Sources

6 verified

Location

Italy

Updated

Friday, 19 June 2026 at 11:19 UTC

Trump-Meloni public dispute erupts — Image · 1 / 1

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Video

Synthesis · 6 sources

President Donald Trump escalated his public dispute with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, claiming in an Italian TV interview that she 'begged' him for a photo at the G7 in Évian and that he 'felt sorry for her,' adding he wasn't 'obligated' to talk to her. Meloni responded in a video, calling the claims 'completely invented' and saying she is 'frankly stunned,' insisting 'Italy and I never beg.' Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani subsequently canceled his scheduled Miami trip, calling Trump's remarks 'grave and offensive to all of Italy.' Tajani had previously canceled a Washington visit on June 21-22, and Rome has now scrapped multiple planned US engagements in protest.

Updates · 5

1d ago@clashreport

Trump mocked Meloni, claiming she begged him for a photo and he only agreed out of pity.

1d ago@clashreport

Trump mocks Meloni, saying she's 'probably happy' he spoke to her and that he wasn't obligated to do so.

1d ago@clashreport

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced he is canceling his visit to the United States scheduled for June 21-22, citing Trump's 'serious and offensive words' towards PM Meloni.

1d ago@Osint613

Trump added a new quote claiming Meloni begged him for a photo at the G7 summit.

1d agoDD Geopolitics

New details: Trump gave the insulting interview to Italian TV, claiming Meloni 'begged' for a photo at G7 Évian and that he 'felt sorry for her.' Foreign Minister Tajani canceled his Miami trip in addition to the previously announced Washington visit.

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