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The Italian Prime Minister has sharply criticized the head of the major Italian labor union after the official labeled her as a “courtesan” of former US President Donald Trump.

Context of the Controversial Remarks

Maurizio Landini, leading Italy’s CGIL labor organization, issued the comment in a televised interview on Tuesday. This followed world leaders, including Meloni, convened for a Middle East peace summit held in Egypt.

Landini asserted Meloni of “doing nothing” to advance peace in Gaza, saying her participation was restricted to “acting as Trump’s courtesan”. “Fortunately, citizens of Italy took to the street to defend the prestige and integrity of Italy,” he said.

Official Reaction

In a social media post on Thursday, Meloni stated that the union chief was clearly blinded by a mounting resentment (that I comprehend)”. She proceeded to publish a definition of the term “courtesan”.

“I believe most people are aware the primary definition given to this expression, but, to assist those who might not, I am sharing the first definition obtained from a quick internet search,” Meloni explained, including a screenshot that said: “Woman of easy virtue, straight; euphemism, prostitute.”

She also criticized her left-leaning critics, observing that over many years they had “lectured us on gender equality” only to then attack a woman by “labeling her a prostitute”.

Landini’s Clarification

In response to Meloni’s statement, the union leader argued that there were “no sexist insults” directed at the Prime Minister and that the term was meant to imply “Trump’s subordinate”.

Via a released message, he explained: “Over a short TV segment, which anyone can easily rewatch, to avoid any misunderstanding or exploitation of the term, I promptly explained the sense of my words – that the Prime Minister was trailing behind Trump, she was in Trump’s circle, she served as Trump’s underling.”

Connection with the US President

Meloni has consistently maintained cordial connections with the US president. While addressing the audience in Egypt, the US President addressed Meloni – the only woman in attendance – and called her “beautiful”. “In the United States, this could be career-ending,” he remarked. “Still, I am willing to chance it. May I comment that you’re beautiful? Because you truly are beautiful.”

The US president later praised Meloni as “an inspiration to all” in reference to the English translation of her work, I Am Giorgia: My Roots, My Principles, which features a foreword by Donald Trump Jr..

Past Events

Earlier this year, Meloni responded firmly after learning that manipulated pictures of her and additional notable women from Italy had been posted on a explicit platform, saying she was “disgusted”, and offering “empathy and assistance to the women who have been violated, insulted, and offended”.