Italian Politician Triggers Row After Calling Giorgia Meloni 'Trump's Courtesan', She Reacts

Last Updated:October 19, 2025, 13:17 IST

Italian trade union leader Maurizio Landini defended himself by saying that he did not make any sexual references.

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni said that trade union leader Landini was “clouded with resentment”. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Italian Prime Minister condemned the boss of CGIL, Italy’s biggest trade union, Maurizio Landini, for referring to her as the “courtesan" of Donald Trump.

Landini’s remarks came on TV earlier this week on Tuesday, a day after world leaders gathered in Egypt’s Sharm-al Sheikh for a peace summit on West Asia, led by the US President.

Landini alleged that Meloni did “not lift a finger" to bring peace in Gaza and her role was limited to “playing Trump’s courtesan". “Fortunately, the Italian citizens took to the street to defend the dignity and honour of this country," Landini was quoted as saying by UK-based newspaper the Guardian.

Reacting to the comment, Meloni said that Landini, who helped organise many pro-Palestinian protests in Italy, was “evidently clouded by a mounting resentment (which I can understand)" and shared a screenshot of what “courtesan" meant from an online dictionary.

“I think everyone knows the most common meaning attributed to this word, but, for the benefit of those who might not, I’m publishing the first definition found through a quick internet search," Meloni said, along with the screenshot that read: “Woman of easy virtue, heterosexual; euphemism, prostitute."

Meloni also lashed out at her leftwing opponents and claimed that they criticised a woman by “calling her a prostitute" after saying for decades they had “lectured us on respect for women".

Landini then responded to the post arguing that there were “no sexist insults" towards the Italian PM and that he had used the term to imply “Trump’s lackey".

In his statement, Landini said: “In a 10-minute interview, which anyone can easily rewatch, to avoid any misunderstanding or exploitation of the term used, I immediately clarified what I meant – that Meloni was on the coat tails of Trump, she was at Trump’s court, she was Trump’s lackey."

During a speech in Egypt, Trump turned to Meloni – the only woman at the event – and called her “beautiful". “In the United States, it would be the end of your political career," he said. “But I’ll take the risk. Do you mind if I say you’re beautiful? Because you truly are beautiful."

Trump had some choice words for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the only female leader on stage at a Gaza summit in Egypt on Monday: “She’s beautiful."

The three-times-married 79-year-old admitted that he risked being accused of sexism with the comments about hard-right leader Meloni, who was standing behind him on the podium.

“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 said in the middle of a speech about his peace efforts for the Middle East.

“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."

Turning round to address the 48-year-old, Trump said: “You don’t mind being called beautiful, right? Because you are."

Meloni’s immediate reaction could not be seen, as Trump’s back was between her and the cameras.

Trump went on to call Meloni, an ideological ally when it comes to immigration and cultural issues, “incredible".

“And they really respect her in Italy. She’s a very successful politician," he added.

Shankhyaneel Sarkar

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev...Read More

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev...

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News world Italian Politician Triggers Row After Calling Giorgia Meloni 'Trump's Courtesan', She Reacts

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