A video capturing Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s frustration as she waited for US President Joe Biden is gaining traction on social media.
The video, taken on Thursday morning during the NATO summit in Washington, shows Ms. Meloni and other world leaders waiting for President Biden and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to begin the third day of the summit, as reported by the New York Post. During a conversation with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Ms. Meloni was seen rolling her eyes and mimicking checking a non-existent watch as the scheduled start time passed.
According to the Post, the summit was set to start at 10 am.
Another individual standing with Ms. Meloni and Mr. Stubb checked the time on his phone, prompting Ms. Meloni to roll her eyes once more before noticing the cameras.
The video has been widely shared on social media platform X, including by a Financial Times reporter.
NEW: Italian PM Giorgia Meloni seemed uncomfortable after President Biden went in for a smooch earlier today at the NATO Summit.
Meloni was seen arching her back away from Biden as he continued to lean in.
The PM made headlines earlier in the day after she was seen rolling… pic.twitter.com/J0FmPJG5jk
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 12, 2024
Watch the video here:
Giorgia #Meloni in top eye-rolling form as leaders at the #NATO summit wait for Stoltenberg and Biden to arrive for the first session today. pic.twitter.com/KVSobO8QNU
— Life On Earth (@e_jagat_) July 12, 2024
As per the report, Mr. Biden and Mr. Stoltenberg eventually commenced the day’s events at 10:40 am. Additionally, a solo press conference by Mr. Biden was delayed by the White House.
This is not the first time an interaction between these two leaders has garnered attention online. Last month, Mr. Biden was seen awkwardly saluting Ms. Meloni upon his arrival in Italy for the G7 summit.
Later, the 81-year-old leader was seen smiling and slowly walking away from a group of world leaders. The Italian PM quickly redirected Mr. Biden’s attention to the group for a photograph, after which he rejoined them.
