Trump Calls Italian PM Meloni "Beautiful" During Gaza Peace Summit: Political Risks and Reactions

During his address at a Gaza summit in Egypt, US President Donald Trump made notable remarks about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, referring to her as "beautiful" while acknowledging the potential political ramifications of such comments.

Trump described Meloni as "a beautiful young woman" in the midst of discussing Middle East peace efforts, openly recognizing the risk to his political career. "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," he stated.

The 79-year-old President directly addressed the 48-year-old Italian leader who was positioned behind him on the podium, asking: "You don't mind being called beautiful, right? Because you are." Meloni's immediate reaction remained unseen as Trump's positioning blocked camera views.

Trump continued his praise for Meloni, calling her "incredible" and noting, "They really respect her in Italy. She's a very successful politician." The Italian Prime Minister was the sole female leader among approximately 30 heads of state gathered for the summit, where participants signed a declaration supporting peace efforts in Gaza.

Meloni, who shares ideological alignment with Trump on immigration and cultural issues, stood as the only woman on stage during the proceedings.

This incident adds to previous controversies surrounding Trump's comments about women. Recently, in September, a US appeals court upheld an $83.3-million judgment against him for defaming author E. Jean Carroll, whom a jury determined he had sexually assaulted.