Italian Prime Minister Meloni seeks to de-escalate public fallout with Trump

"Italian foreign policy will remain the same as it has been for the past 80 years: supporting strong relations between the U.S. and the EU is what the strength of the West is built on," Meloni said.

As the head of the Italian government explained, "our bilateral cooperation with the U.S. must get back on track."

Furthermore, Meloni stated that Italy "must make its contribution" to restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the prime minister, everything will depend on the implementation of the U.S.-Iran agreement, which the Italian government is monitoring while awaiting "details" from Brussels to utilize a flexible approach.

"I expect that in the coming weeks, funds from excise duties will not be needed," she concluded.

Trump's recent comments on Meloni and Italy's reaction

According to Reuters, signs emerged at the G7 summit that Meloni and Trump had stabilized relations, which flared up this year over the war in Iran.

Video from the event captured the Italian prime minister and the U.S. president engaged in a deep conversation while sitting next to each other on a small sofa. However, Trump later implied he was simply doing Meloni a favor by speaking with her.

"She was probably glad I talked to her. I wasn't obligated to talk to her. She begged me to take a picture with her. She wanted a picture with me so badly. I wouldn't have done it, but I felt sorry for her," he said.

In response, Meloni accused Trump of fabricating the story about her.

She stated she was "shocked" by Trump's comments, calling them "completely fabricated." She also rebuked the White House chief for treating the West's enemies with far more respect than long-standing, proven allies.

The prime minister emphasized that Trump must remember that neither she nor Italy "ever beg."

Following the White House chief's comments, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the cancellation of his scheduled visit to the USA.

"The serious and offensive remarks made by President Trump regarding Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni insult all of Italy. For this reason, I have decided to cancel my visit to the United States, scheduled for June 21 and 22," Tajani wrote.

Meloni was once a staunch supporter of Trump and became the only European leader to attend his inauguration in 2025.

However, earlier this year, she criticized the U.S. president for his attacks on Pope Leo after the pontiff condemned the conflict in Iran. This, in turn, triggered a sharp reaction from Trump, who accused Meloni of lacking courage.