Trump Calls Meloni ‘Beautiful’ at Gaza Summit, Praises Global Leaders

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt — During a Gaza peace summit on Monday, former U.S. President Donald Trump drew attention for his unusually personal compliments and remarks directed at various world leaders. Trump arrived over two hours late, expressing concern that his high-profile guests might have left without him.

The first leader to greet Trump was Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, vice president of the United Arab Emirates. Trump praised Al Nahyan’s wealth, jokingly pointing out his “bundles of cash.” Trump’s friendly demeanor continued as he addressed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, stating, “In the United States, it would be the end of your political career. But I’ll take the risk. Do you mind if I say you’re beautiful? Because you truly are beautiful.”

Meloni received the compliment amidst a backdrop of diplomatic interactions, where Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also complimented her looks but warned her about her smoking habits. Trump spoke highly of Erdoğan, calling him a “friend” and a “tough person,” while emphasizing Turkey’s military strength. “He does not want any praise. He wants to be left alone,” Trump said.

The Egyptian president, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, also received praise from Trump, who referred to him as a “strong leader.” Trump remarked on Egypt’s low crime rate compared to the U.S., attributing it to better governance. He also showed support for Viktor Orbán, the Hungarian Prime Minister, labeling him a “great leader” despite criticism he faces for democratic backsliding in Hungary.

However, not every leader received favorable remarks. Trump described Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani’s country as one with “so much oil it does not know what to do with it,” implying a lack of effective management. Trump’s comments caused discomfort among some attendees.

When British opposition leader Keir Starmer was called to the stage, he humorously noted he was “right behind” Trump, indicating his subservient political position. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attempted to correct Trump regarding his remarks on Canada but faced a dismissive response.

In contrast, the Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif showered Trump with praise, highlighting Trump’s past interventions between India and Pakistan. “History has immortalised his name in golden letters,” Sharif claimed, solidifying the stark differences in diplomatic styles.

Notably absent from the gathering was Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who declined the invitation.