Meloni: Trapped Between Erdoğan’s Health Campaign and Trump’s Flattery
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni once again commanded attention during the recent Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit in Egypt, held in the aftermath of the significant Trump-brokered Agreement between Israel and Hamas. While Italy’s role on this global stage may be likened to that of a background actor in a blockbuster, Meloni’s distinct charm—and her infamous fondness for cigarettes—ensured she became a focal point of discussion.
As the summit unfolded, Meloni found herself the unintended target of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s anti-smoking campaign. Erdoğan, taking it upon himself to address Meloni’s recently rekindled smoking habit—after a 13-year hiatus—stated his commitment to help her quit.
Politico reported:
“You look great. But I have to make you stop smoking,” Erdoğan informed Meloni, as captured in footage by Italian daily Il Foglio and other outlets.
Enter French President Emmanuel Macron, who, standing nearby, quickly interjected with a chuckle, “It’s impossible!”
In a light-hearted response, Meloni acknowledged the challenge, humorously warning that quitting might turn her into “a killer” socially. “I don’t want to kill somebody,” she quipped.
ERDOGAN TO MELONI: YOU MUST STOP SMOKING
Erdogan:
“I saw you coming down from the plane.
You look great.
But I have to make you stop smoking.”
Meloni:
“I know, I know.
I don’t want to kill somebody.”
Source: @ihacomtr https://t.co/FX7G3CR5g1 pic.twitter.com/glcfOZAA6Z
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) October 13, 2025
Despite Turkish pressures, Meloni’s star power did not go unnoticed by the real headline maker of the summit: former U.S. President Donald J. Trump. Fresh from addressing the Knesset, he couldn’t resist the opportunity to shower Meloni with compliments, even as he acknowledged the political landmines that come with it.
Telegraph reported:
“Donald Trump, in a moment of unabashed admiration, remarked, ‘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!’”
Continuing, he mused about the risks, declaring, ‘In the U.S., if you tell a woman she’s beautiful, your political career is over—but I’ll take my chances!’ He further praised her, stating, ‘She wanted to be here and she’s incredible; they really respect her in Italy. She’s a very successful politician.’
Trump to Italy’s Meloni:
“In the U.S., if you tell a woman she’s beautiful, your political career is over—but I’ll take my chances.”
“You won’t be offended if I say you’re beautiful, right? Because you are.” pic.twitter.com/1I0tpceIKu
— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 13, 2025
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