An awkward moment unfolded at the Gaza Peace Summit on October 13 when Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni appeared visibly uncomfortable during a handshake with US President Donald Trump, briefly pulling away as cameras captured the exchange.
The incident came as world leaders met to discuss efforts to de-escalate the Gaza conflict. Tension rose further when Trump, moments later, turned to Meloni during a press conference and remarked: "You don't mind being called beautiful, right? Cause you are."
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The United States president prefaced his comment by saying, "I'm not allowed to say it. Because it's the end of your political career if you say she's a beautiful young woman," before adding, "But I'll take my chances."
The remark drew criticism online and among political observers, who described it as "inappropriate" and "out of place" at a high-level diplomatic summit. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni did not respond to the comment publicly.