Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid an unofficial surprise visit to US President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, her office confirmed on Sunday.
The far-right prime minister’s office released photographs early Sunday depicting Meloni and Trump at Mar-a-Lago’s entrance and conversing in a reception area, with a Christmas tree visible behind them.
Her office remained silent about the details and did not address multiple enquiries regarding the Saturday meeting, which American media sources indicated included dinner and a film showing.
Italian newspapers prominently featured photographs of the two conservative leaders together on their front pages Sunday.
Meloni joins other international leaders, including Canada’s Justin Trudeau and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who have visited Trump prior to his second inauguration scheduled for January 20.
The visit from Meloni, leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy party, precedes US President Joe Biden‘s upcoming four-day Rome visit, where he plans to meet separately with Meloni and Pope Francis.
Official photographs from Meloni’s office also captured her handshake with Florida Senator Marco Rubio.
