Trump’s “beautiful woman” remark to Meloni sparks backlash
At the Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt, U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni drew international criticism. The incident later escalated in Italy after a union leader referred to Meloni as “Trump’s mistress,” prompting a sharp rebuke from the Italian premier.
The Gaza Peace Summit held in Sharm el-Sheikh brought together world leaders to discuss a ceasefire agreement, but one unexpected moment stole the spotlight. During his speech, U.S. President Donald Trump turned to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and said, “I’m not supposed to say this, but she’s a beautiful woman.”
The comment immediately triggered backlash online, with many social media users calling it “embarrassing,” “inappropriate,” and “cringe-worthy.”
Backlash in Italy: “Trump’s mistress” controversy
The incident sparked heated debate in Italy as well. Maurizio Landini, the head of the country’s largest trade union, CGIL, sharply criticized Meloni during a televised interview, claiming she had “done nothing for peace” and was “nothing more than Trump’s mistress.”
Landini’s remarks were widely condemned across Italy’s political spectrum, with critics accusing him of sexism and disrespect toward the nation’s first female prime minister.
Meloni hits back
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni swiftly responded on social media, denouncing Landini’s language:
“The left, which has preached respect for women for years, is now insulting one by calling her a ‘mistress.’ This is blatant hypocrisy.”
Meloni went further, sharing a screenshot of the dictionary definition of the word “mistress,” which read: “a promiscuous woman; prostitute.”
Landini defends himself
Amid the growing backlash, Landini insisted his remarks were misinterpreted:
“I clarified immediately that I meant Meloni was riding on Trump’s success — acting as his courtier, not his mistress. My words were taken out of context,” he said.
