US President Donald Trump had some choice words for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the only female leader on stage at a Gaza summit in Egypt on Monday: “She’s beautiful.”
This is gross. Mid-speech in Egypt, Trump called the Italian Prime Minister a “beautiful young woman” and she looked very uncomfortable. He continues to humiliate the U.S. on the world stage. pic.twitter.com/ne8SWa6Mjr
— Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) October 13, 2025
The three-times-married 79-year-old admitted that he risked being accused of sexism with the comments about hard-right leader Meloni, who was standing behind him on the podium.
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“I’m not allowed to say it because usually it’s the end of your political career if you say it — she’s a beautiful young woman,” Trump said in the middle of a speech about his peace efforts for the Middle East.
“If you use the word ‘beautiful’ in the United States about a woman, that’s the end of your political career, but I’ll take my chances.”
“You don’t mind being called beautiful right? Because you are. Thank you very much for coming” says US President #DonaldTrump to Italian PM #GiorgiaMeloni pic.twitter.com/hlDtCuU3Hl
— WION (@WIONews) October 14, 2025
Turning round to address the 48-year-old, Trump said: “You don’t mind being called beautiful, right? Because you are.”
Meloni’s immediate reaction could not be seen, as Trump’s back was between her and the cameras.
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Trump went on to call Meloni, an ideological ally when it comes to immigration and cultural issues, “incredible”.
“And they really respect her in Italy. She’s a very successful politician,” he added.
Meloni was the only woman among around 30 leaders gathered on the stage behind Trump for the summit, where they signed a declaration pledging to help push through peace for Gaza.
Trump has previously been criticised for sexist remarks.
In September, a US appeals court upheld a jury’s $83.3-million penalty against Trump for defaming author E. Jean Carroll, whom he was found to have sexually assaulted.
