Giorgia Meloni Hits Back At Controversial Remark By Italian Politician Calling Her 'Trump’s Courtesan'

A fresh political row has erupted in Italy after prominent trade union leader Maurizio Landini referred to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as “Trump’s courtesan” during a televised interview.  Landini, who heads Italy’s largest trade union CGIL, made the remarks on Tuesday, a day after world leaders, including Meloni, attended a Middle East peace summit in Egypt. During the program, he accused Meloni of failing to take meaningful action toward ending the violence in Gaza.

“Meloni has not lifted a finger to bring peace in Gaza,” Landini said. “She’s limited her role to playing Trump’s courtesan. Fortunately, the Italian citizens took to the street to defend the dignity and honour of this country.”

Meloni’s Sharp Response

Meloni fired back on Thursday through a post on social media, accusing Landini of hypocrisy and misogyny. “Evidently clouded by resentment (which I can understand),” she wrote, before posting a definition of the word courtesan, “woman of easy virtue, euphemism: prostitute.”

“For decades, the left has lectured us about respect for women,” Meloni added, “yet when it comes to a woman they oppose politically, they feel entitled to call her a prostitute.”

Il segretario generale della CGIL, Maurizio Landini, evidentemente obnubilato da un rancore montante (che comprendo), mi definisce in televisione una “cortigiana”.

Penso che tutti conoscano il significato più comune attribuito a questa parola, ma, a beneficio di chi non lo… pic.twitter.com/JS51GN7Yn9

— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) October 16, 2025

ALSO READ: Dubai Diwali Goes Viral: Indian Woman Captures Stunning Lights, Decorations Amid Festive Season | Watch

Landini Defends His Intent

Following the backlash, Landini issued a clarification, denying any sexist intent. He claimed his use of the word courtesan was metaphorical, meant to imply that Meloni was acting as “Trump’s lackey.”

“In a 10-minute interview, which anyone can rewatch, I clarified immediately that I meant she was at Trump’s court, following his lead, not in a sexual sense,” he said. 

The controversy deepened after Donald Trump, during the same Egypt summit, called Meloni “beautiful”, a remark that sparked debate about gendered language in diplomacy. Later, Trump promoted Meloni’s autobiography “I Am Giorgia: My Roots, My Principles” on his social media platform Truth Social, praising her leadership and calling her “an inspiration to all.”

ALSO READ: Royal Scandal Unfolds: How Sex Abuse Allegations, Epstein Ties Brought Down Prince Andrew?

While Meloni thanked Trump for his support, the episode has once again exposed Italy’s deep political and cultural divides over gender, power, and international alignment.