Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has cancelled a planned trip to the United States following former President Donald Trump’s belittling comments about Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Trump recently claimed Meloni repeatedly asked for a photo with him at the G7 summit, which she has vehemently denied, calling it a “fabricated story.” Tajani stated that Trump’s words offended Italy as a whole and expressed bewilderment over how the former president treats allies, noting a contrast in his tone towards adversaries. Meloni previously defended Pope Francis after Trump criticized him, leading to a reciprocal verbal attack from the former US president. Despite previously describing “very positive” discussions with Trump and other leaders at the G7 summit, the incident has strained relations, with Meloni asserting that Italy does not beg for favors. The cancellation signals a diplomatic protest over Trump’s behavior and rhetoric.