Trump and Giorgia Meloni at the Sharm El Sheikh Summit: Public Flirtation Sparks Widespread Criticism
At the Sharm El Sheikh summit held to discuss the Gaza issue, chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Trump addressed the attendees with a stance that sparked much controversy after he flirted with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the only woman participating in the summit, with explicit praise for her beauty.
* Trump's Remarks During the Speech
During his speech delivered to the participating leaders, Trump said addressing Meloni:
“It’s not my place to say this, because usually your career ends if you say that, but she is a beautiful woman.”
He added, continuing: “I will risk my career,” before asking her, “Where is she? Does it bother you if I say you are beautiful? Because that’s true.”
Meloni responded with a slight smile while standing directly behind him.
* Trump Praises Meloni's Political Success
Trump, who is 79 years old, did not only flirt with Meloni’s beauty but also praised her political success, saying: “She is highly respected in Italy and is a very successful politician.”
* Controversy Over Trump's Previous Remarks
These remarks come amid previous criticisms directed at Trump due to comments that were considered sexual in nature, in addition to a defamation case that was recently written about.
Last September, a New York appellate court upheld a ruling that Trump must pay $83.3 million to writer E. Jean Carroll in a case related to sexual assault allegations.
* Meloni the Only Woman at the Summit
In a striking visual moment, Meloni was the only woman among about thirty leaders participating in the group photo documenting the summit, highlighting the rare female presence in such international gatherings.
* Implications of the Remarks on the International Stage
This scene sparked widespread reactions among followers and politicians, as many wonder about the limits of expression in politics between personal and professional compliments, especially in sensitive contexts like an international summit aimed at achieving peace.
Do you think such remarks affect the image of leaders in international forums?
