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Ohio Senator JD Vance’s Attempt at Humor Falls Flat in Rome
Senator JD Vance raised eyebrows and sparked online criticism after an awkward exchange with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome on Friday. Following a meeting where Ms.
Meloni reaffirmed Italy’s strong relationship with the United States, Senator Vance jokingly remarked to the press, “Of course she could have called me a jerk, and I wouldn’t know… but it would be in the most beautiful language imaginable.” While the Prime Minister offered a polite chuckle, social media users were less amused, with some labeling the Senator’s comment “tactless” and an “embarrassment.”
The Senator’s visit to Rome included meetings at the Vatican with Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin. No meeting with Pope Francis was scheduled due to the pontiff’s ongoing recovery from a recent illness.
This is not Senator Vance’s first foray into controversial diplomacy. He previously drew criticism for comments made to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy regarding expressions of gratitude and sparked a dispute with China over economic relations. During a White House visit, he also clashed with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over the issue of free speech in the UK.