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Trump Stands His Ground On Controversial Meloni Comment—Here’s What He Said
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Trump Stands His Ground On Controversial Meloni Comment—Here’s What He Said

Forbes · Jun 19, 2026, 8:37 PM · Also reported by 4 other sources

Key takeaways

  • Tajani said in a social media post he was cancelling his June 21 visit to the U.S., noting Trump’s words were “serious and offensive” and offended “all of Italy.”
  • Tajani was slated to meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio this weekend.
  • Meloni addressed the matter in a video statement early Friday morning, “Neither I nor Italy ever beg,” saying Trump fabricated his claims.

Topline President Donald Trump doubled down on his claims that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni “begged” for a photo with him at this week’s G7 summit, according to NBC News, standing his ground after Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled his upcoming visit to the U.S. in protest of the “serious and offensive” words.

Meloni pushed back against Trump's comments Saturday morning.Photo by Antonio Masiello/Getty Images Key Facts Trump told NBC News Meloni “was a big fan,” adding, “But I don't want her as a fan because she was not there — along with the NATO group — having to do with the Strait [of Hormuz]."

Tajani said in a social media post he was cancelling his June 21 visit to the U.S., noting Trump’s words were “serious and offensive” and offended “all of Italy.”

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