
An unexpected scene unfolded at the Gaza summit in Sharm el-Sheikh when United States President Donald Trump complimented Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, causing moments of embarrassment but also smiles in the audience.
"We have a young woman here. I'm not allowed to say this in the United States, it's usually the end of your career if you do, but I'll take a chance: she's a young and beautiful woman," Trump said, turning his gaze to Meloni: She wanted to be here, it's incredible. In Italy, she's a very successful politician. Do you mind if I tell you that you're beautiful? Because you really are..."
The Italian Prime Minister was surprised, responded with a smile, nodded "no" to show she wasn't worried, and simply said "thank you," receiving applause from the audience.
Continuing, Trump thanked Meloni for her presence at the summit: We appreciate it. She wanted to be here and she's incredible. She's very respected in Italy. She's a successful politician.
A short while ago, the American president welcomed the leaders to the stage for a family photo, posing with his characteristic thumbs up and joking with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan: Do the same!
When it was the Italian prime minister's turn, Trump smiled and said twice: "Who is that woman?", before shaking her hand and repeating: "A beautiful woman."