Donald Trump's 'disgusting' remark about Italian PM's appearance sparks fury as her awkward reaction spotted

The US President has been slammed for a number of controversial comments he made about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a political summit in the Middle East yesterday (13 Oct).

Last week, Trump announced that a ceasefire agreement had been reached between Israel and Hamas, after which the former withdrew its military from Gaza and proceeded to allow vital aid into Palestine.

The 79-year-old went on to appear in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday (13 Oct), where he gave a speech about his bid for peace across the Middle East. He also signed an agreement outlining commitments to end hostilities between Israel and Palestine and facilitated hostage exchanges.

Afterwards, Trump delivered a speech in the presence of several other European leaders, including Meloni, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron.

During the address, he went on to give a special shout-out to the latter, who just so happens to be one of the handful of female world leaders, and the sole woman amongst the 30 politicians overseeing the deal on Gaza, admitting he knows he might get 'cancelled' for his comments.

"I'm not allowed to say it because usually it's the end of your political career if you say it," the Republican leader began, before turning to Meloni, who was standing behind him. "She's a beautiful young woman."

He went on to add: "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."

The right-wing leader then addressed Meloni directly, asking the 48-year-old: "You don't mind being called beautiful, right? Because you are."

Though cameras didn't capture Meloni's response to his question, viewers watching from around the world were seemingly blindsided by Trump's remarks, and took to social media to have their say.

Calling the president out, one disgruntled X (formerly Twitter) user penned: "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 same user went on to further point out: "No one introduces a male leader and talks about how handsome they are. It's disgusting."

Another went on to question: "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."

They added: "It’s inappropriate to make any comments about her looks. It’s just creepy."

A third went on to slam Trump, claiming: "Its all about looks for him .... creepy, so creepy .... ugh."

"He is purely focused on her physical attributes," a fourth agreed. "If she weren’t in his eyes attractive she would not be there…she should remember that."

Meanwhile, several users also noted Meloni's seemingly detached response to Trump's comments in the minutes that followed.

"Creepy. She doesn’t not appear flattered," another said, while someone else went on to jibe: "Clearly impressed by Trump’s words...."

Tyla has contacted the White House for comment.