Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was observed ‘rolling her eyes’ at Donald Trump during a gathering of European leaders at the White House.
The leaders from Italy, Germany, the UK, and other nations convened to discuss the next steps towards a potential ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine.
With the ongoing conflict spanning several years and Trump recently acknowledging the failure to reach a peace understanding with Vladimir Putin, a meeting was organized to strategize for the future.
During these discussions, Meloni, seated next to Trump, rolled her eyes on two occasions, creating moments that quickly gained attention online.
The first instance occurred as Meloni reacted to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s assertion to Trump about the significance of a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
Meloni’s eye-rolling continued as the exchange between the two leaders unfolded, sparking online discussions about her apparent thoughts.
The viral clip on social media features NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Merz, Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and French President Emmanuel Macron deliberating on the Ukraine situation.
Despite efforts from Merz and Macron to encourage Trump to broker a ceasefire, considering the stalled negotiations with Russia, Merz stated: “Let’s try and put pressure on Russia, because the credibility of this effort, these efforts were are undertaking today, are depending on at least a ceasefire from the beginning of the serious negotiations, from next stop on.
“I would like to emphasize this aspect and would like to see a ceasefire from the next meeting, which should be a trilateral meeting, wherever it takes place.”
As Merz spoke, Meloni rolled her eyes.
She reacted similarly again while Trump appeared to be making a joke.
In a clip shared on X, Trump jested about the short tenure of Italian governments, noting that there have been 68 different administrations since World War II.
The President added: “You’ve lasted a long time, you’re gonna be there a long time.”
While initially laughing and nodding at Trump, Meloni rolled her eyes once his focus shifted away, turning her gaze to the front of the room.
Online reactions were swift and varied.
One user commented: “Italy’s Prime Minister definitely has some of the best eye rolling when she wants someone to STFU.”
Another remarked: “HOLY S*** – The Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, just ROLLED her eyes after chuckling at Trump’s joke. Trump never fails to be an embarrassment on the world stage.”
Some speculated on her thoughts, suggesting: “She’s thinking ‘he’s such a fool’.”
Others shared similar sentiments, with one stating: “The whole world rolls their eyes every time he opens his mouth it’s just not usually caught on camera,” and another adding: “Most women in the world roll their eyes at him, so what’s new.”
However, some believed her reactions were not intended to be unkind.
In fact, a few suggested she appreciated the compliment, with one user explaining: “That to me seems like a oh stop it you praising me like that you’re gunna make me blush eye roll. She’s actually quite enjoying his compliment FYI.”
UNILAD reached out to the office of the Italian prime minister for comment.