Egypt Gaza Peace Summit: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni became an unexpected focal point at the Gaza peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, as her candid facial expressions and interactions with world leaders went viral across social media platforms.
Among 30 world leaders gathered to discuss Middle East peace following a Trump-brokered Gaza ceasefire, Meloni—the only woman leader present—drew attention through several notable exchanges.
Trump’s Controversial Compliment
US President Donald Trump singled out the 48-year-old Italian leader with remarks that sparked immediate controversy. “We have a woman, a young woman who’s… 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 told the gathering, acknowledging the potential for accusations of sexism.
Standing behind Trump, Meloni appeared visibly amused yet slightly uncomfortable as he continued: “Where is she? There she is! You don’t mind being called beautiful, right? Because you are.”
Democratic commentator Harry Sisson criticized the remarks on social media, stating: “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 US on the world stage.”
Erdogan’s Anti-Smoking Campaign
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan targeted Meloni’s smoking habit during a sidebar conversation. “I saw you coming down from the plane. You look great. But I have to make you stop smoking,” Erdogan said in footage that circulated widely.
French President Emmanuel Macron, standing nearby, interjected: “It’s impossible!” Meloni responded with characteristic humor: “I know, I know… I don’t want to kill somebody.”
In her autobiography ‘I Am Giorgia: My Roots, My Principles,’ which features a preface by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Meloni admitted resuming smoking after 13 years, noting it helps her bond with politicians, according to Politico.
Viral Facial Expressions
Perhaps most memorable were Meloni’s reactions during Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s praise of Trump. Sharif called Trump a “man of peace” and stated: “I would like to nominate this great president for the Nobel Peace Prize, because I genuinely feel he is the most genuine and most wonderful candidate because he has brought not only peace in South Asia, but achieved peace in Gaza, saving, millions of lives in the Middle East.”
Cameras captured Meloni instinctively covering her mouth before maintaining a poker face throughout the effusive compliments. Such expressions have become characteristic of the leader, who has served as Italy’s Prime Minister since October 2022.
