US President Donald Trump has once again drawn global criticism for his controversial comments, this time targeting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a high-profile diplomatic gathering in the Middle East. The remarks, which many have described as inappropriate and demeaning, came as the world watched leaders discuss a historic ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
On Monday, October 13, 2025, Trump appeared in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, alongside a host of prominent European leaders, including Meloni, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron. The summit focused on a series of agreements designed to stabilize the region, facilitate humanitarian aid, and negotiate the release of hostages in Gaza.
Earlier that week, the 79-year-old US president had announced that a ceasefire had been reached following months of escalating conflict. Israel had withdrawn its military presence from Gaza, allowing crucial aid to reach civilians, and the agreement paved the way for ongoing dialogue between Palestinian and Israeli officials. Trump’s appearance in Egypt was part of his broader effort to present himself as a key mediator in Middle East peace negotiations, a role he has emphasized throughout his political career.
However, the summit quickly became a source of controversy due to Trump’s comments about Meloni. Speaking from the podium, Trump singled out the Italian leader in a manner that many observers considered unnecessary and sexist.
“I’m not allowed to say it because usually it’s the end of your political career if you say it,” Trump began, glancing toward Meloni, who was standing nearby. “She’s a beautiful young woman.”
He then elaborated on the remark, explaining, “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.”
Trump did not stop there. Addressing Meloni directly, he asked, “You don’t mind being called beautiful, right? Because you are.” The comments, which seemed intended as a compliment in Trump’s style, drew immediate reactions from political analysts, journalists, and viewers across the globe.
Social media erupted almost instantly, with critics highlighting the problematic nature of Trump’s words. Many argued that by focusing on Meloni’s appearance, the president undermined her role as a political leader engaged in critical international negotiations.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “This is a way of making her small and invisible, and making people laugh while he does it, while seeming like he’s giving her a compliment. It’s cruddy to the core.” The sentiment echoed a widespread criticism that no male world leader receives similar commentary about their looks in professional settings.
Another observer questioned the professional appropriateness of Trump’s remark. “Does he start with going on about how handsome he thinks men are in professional capacities? She’s dealing with him in a professional capacity, not as a contestant in one of his beauty contests,” the user added.
Several commentators described the president’s focus on Meloni’s appearance as “creepy” and “inappropriate.” One noted, “It’s all about looks for him … creepy, so creepy … ugh.” Another suggested that Meloni’s very presence was reduced to a matter of physical attraction in Trump’s eyes: “He is purely focused on her physical attributes. If she weren’t in his eyes attractive, she would not be there…she should remember that.”
Images captured by photographers at the summit appeared to show Meloni maintaining a composed, but somewhat awkward, expression in response to Trump’s comments. She did not visibly react with enthusiasm or gratitude, and her subtle body language—leaning slightly away, maintaining a neutral facial expression—was interpreted by some as discomfort.
Several commentators noted Meloni’s restraint, pointing out that the Italian leader seemed to navigate the moment with professional decorum despite the unusual compliment. One X user observed, “Creepy. She doesn’t appear flattered,” while another sarcastically wrote, “Clearly impressed by Trump’s words … not.”
This incident adds to a long history of controversial statements by Trump regarding women in politics, both in the United States and internationally. Critics argue that such comments perpetuate a culture in which female leaders are judged on appearance rather than their professional abilities or political achievements.
Meloni, 48, is Italy’s first female prime minister and one of only a handful of women leading major countries today. At the time of the Sharm El-Sheikh summit, she was actively involved in discussions concerning the Gaza ceasefire and humanitarian aid distribution. Experts note that her contributions to the negotiations, including advocating for civilian protections and facilitating communication between Israeli and Palestinian officials, were significant, yet they were overshadowed in global media by Trump’s remarks.
Political analysts have suggested that the US president’s comments may reflect a broader pattern in which Trump prioritizes personal observations over diplomatic protocol. “This is consistent with his approach throughout his political career,” said Dr. Laura Martinez, a political science professor specializing in US foreign policy. “Even in high-stakes international negotiations, he often inserts remarks about appearance, which can detract from the policy substance of the discussion.”
While Trump attempted to frame his comments as a lighthearted acknowledgment, critics contend that it was neither light nor harmless. “This isn’t a joke; it’s a form of diminishment,” said political commentator James Fulton. “By highlighting her looks in this context, he shifts focus away from her policy expertise and leadership role. It’s disrespectful and sends a troubling message to women in leadership positions worldwide.”
Trump’s remarks also reignited discussions about gender dynamics in international diplomacy. In a field historically dominated by men, female leaders often face additional scrutiny, with their appearance being unfairly emphasized over their political acumen. Many observers argued that the president’s words reinforced these biases at a moment when the world should be focused on pressing humanitarian issues.
The backlash on social media underscored the global sensitivity to gendered comments in politics. Hashtags condemning Trump’s remarks trended on multiple platforms, with users from Europe, the United States, and the Middle East expressing disapproval. Some users drew parallels to previous instances in which Trump had made public comments about female politicians’ appearances, citing patterns that critics say undermine women’s credibility and authority in professional contexts.
Despite the controversy, the summit concluded with notable diplomatic achievements. Agreements were signed outlining commitments from Israeli and Palestinian authorities to maintain ceasefires and facilitate the delivery of essential aid. Trump also helped broker several hostage releases, emphasizing the humanitarian priorities of the negotiations. Yet, the moment overshadowed by Trump’s remarks about Meloni will likely remain a talking point in international media coverage.
Observers noted that Meloni’s composure during the incident demonstrated political acumen and restraint. By not reacting overtly, she avoided escalating the situation or drawing further attention to the inappropriate comments. “Her professionalism is evident,” said journalist Sophia Ricci. “She maintained focus on the larger diplomatic objectives, which reflects strong leadership in the face of a distracting and unnecessary remark.”
As the world continues to assess the implications of Trump’s statements, the incident may have lasting effects on public perceptions of gender and leadership in international diplomacy. Critics argue that it is crucial for political leaders to maintain respect and propriety, particularly when engaging in discussions that carry global consequences.
For now, Meloni’s role in the Middle East peace negotiations and her leadership on the international stage remain central to the ongoing discussions. Yet, Trump’s comment serves as a reminder of the challenges female leaders face in navigating environments where gender biases persist, even among top-tier global politicians.
In conclusion, Donald Trump’s remark about Giorgia Meloni’s appearance during the Sharm El-Sheikh summit has sparked a wave of criticism for its perceived sexism and inappropriateness. While the summit itself achieved tangible diplomatic results, including ceasefire agreements and humanitarian aid arrangements, the controversy surrounding Trump’s comment highlights the continued scrutiny female leaders endure in international politics. Meloni’s composed response, meanwhile, demonstrates professionalism in the face of an awkward and unwelcome public moment, reflecting the complexities women navigate when their authority is publicly overshadowed by superficial commentary.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
