U.S. President Describes Interaction With Italian Leader at G7 Summit

The U.S. president said in a phone interview with an Italian television channel that the Italian prime minister asked for a photograph at the G7 summit and that he felt sorry for her. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called the remarks "grave and offensive" and canceled a scheduled visit to the United States planned for June 21 and 22.

The two leaders were filmed in conversation at the G7 summit held in Evian-les-Bains, France. The Italian prime minister later told reporters that relations remained unchanged and that there had been "no recriminations." The Italian prime minister posted on Instagram that she was "frankly stunned" by the account and said neither she nor Italy had begged for anything.

Nordio described the comments as a "painful injury" to Italy-U.S. ties. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said the remarks do not benefit anyone. At the close of the summit on Wednesday, the Italian prime minister had described a "very positive climate" and "no friction" between the U.S. president and other leaders present.