Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly rejected comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed that she had “begged” him for a photograph during the recent G7 Summit, triggering a diplomatic dispute between two long-standing allies.

In an interview with Italian television channel La7, Trump suggested that Meloni was eager to be photographed with him and said he only agreed because he “felt sorry for her.” He also remarked that he did not “have to” speak with the Italian leader and suggested she was likely pleased that he had done so.

The comments sparked immediate backlash in Italy. Meloni dismissed the claims as “completely made up” and expressed shock at the remarks, saying she was appalled by the behavior of a U.S. president toward allied nations.

“Donald Trump’s statements are completely made up. I and Italy never beg,” Meloni said in a post on social media, adding that she was disappointed Trump did not show the same toughness toward adversaries of the West.

The controversy quickly escalated. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned visit to the United States, stating that Trump’s remarks had offended not only Meloni but the entire country.

Several senior Italian officials also criticized the U.S. president. Undersecretary Giovanbattista Fazzolari accused Trump of damaging relations between Europe and the United States, while Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said he could never imagine Meloni begging anyone for a photograph.

The dispute highlights growing strains in a relationship that had initially appeared strong during Trump’s second term. Tensions have increased in recent months following disagreements over Pope Leo’s criticism of the Iran conflict and broader differences in diplomatic tone.

Political observers say the episode risks further complicating U.S.-Italy relations at a time when cooperation on security, trade, and transatlantic issues remains critical.