Joe Biden's attempt to kiss Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the NATO Summit has garnered social media attention.
The incident occurred on Thursday, leaving Meloni visibly uncomfortable as she leaned back to avoid the President's advance. The awkward moment has been captured in a video that has since gone viral.
NEW: Italian PM Giorgia Meloni seemed uncomfortable after President Biden went in for a smooch earlier today at the NATO Summit.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 12, 2024
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
Earlier that day, Meloni was already showing signs of frustration when Biden arrived late to the summit, which was scheduled to begin at 10 am.
Footage shows Meloni rolling her eyes and miming a watch check while conversing with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, as they waited for Biden and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
Another attendee checking the time on his phone prompted further eye-rolling from Meloni upon noticing the cameras.
NEW: Italian PM Giorgia Meloni seen rolling her eyes and checking her nonexistent watch at the NATO Summit.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 11, 2024
According to reports, Biden left the White House for the event 20 minutes after it was scheduled to begin which may suggest why Meloni was frustrated.
Meloni went viral… pic.twitter.com/60tUMKWJ2f
The summit eventually began at 10:40 am, and Biden's solo press conference was subsequently rescheduled by the White House.
This is not the first time an encounter between Biden and Meloni has gained attention; last month, Biden was seen awkwardly saluting Meloni during his visit to Italy for the G7 summit.
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