Overview

• During his remarks, the president said calling a woman “beautiful” can be the end of a political career in the U.S., added “I’ll take my chances,” and asked Meloni, “You don’t mind being called beautiful, right?”
• Giorgia Meloni was the only woman among roughly 30 leaders on stage; coverage differed on whether her immediate reaction was visible, with some reports noting a smile or laugh and others saying cameras could not capture it.
• The video circulated widely on social platforms, drawing a split response between those who saw light humor and others who called it inappropriate for a diplomatic setting.
• The exchange took place as leaders signed a declaration related to Gaza, with reporting highlighting recent hostage releases and expectations for a phased Israeli withdrawal as part of the broader agreement.
• After the summit, Trump promoted Meloni’s new book on his social platform, and the Italian prime minister publicly thanked him.