Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has cancelled a planned trip to the United States following controversial remarks made by former US President Donald Trump. Trump claimed in a recent interview with Italy’s La7 television that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni “begged” him for a photo opportunity during the G7 summit. The Italian government strongly refuted this account, deeming it inaccurate and disrespectful. Tajani’s visit was intended to focus on bilateral relations and preparations for the G7 summit Italy will host next year. The cancellation signals a diplomatic strain between the two countries stemming from Trump’s assertions. Italian officials have expressed displeasure with the former president’s characterization of the interaction with Meloni.