Momentary slip prompts Italian PM to take over translation duties in key meeting with Trump
An interpreter for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has issued a heartfelt apology following a misstep during a critical meeting at the White House with former US President Donald Trump.
The incident occurred during a discussion centred on defence spending and NATO, prompting Meloni to personally step in and provide her own English translation.
Interpreter’s Rare Slip Draws Attention
Valentina Maiolini-Rothbacher, a seasoned interpreter with decades of experience, faltered during the exchange after Trump requested a translation of Meloni’s response to a journalist’s question regarding Ukraine and military expenditure.
As she searched through her notes and hesitated, the Italian leader intervened, addressing Trump directly in English to ensure clarity.
Speaking to Corriere della Sera, Maiolini-Rothbacher described the moment as “the worst thing that can happen to an interpreter — a terrible setback.” She expressed deep regret, saying, “I’m most sorry for not having been helpful. President Meloni was absolutely right to step in.”
Despite the slip, Maiolini-Rothbacher boasts an impressive CV. She has served as an interpreter since 1991 and has worked at major diplomatic events, including the G20 summit.
However, she admitted this was her first time interpreting at the White House and stressed that such a lapse had never occurred before in her professional career.
“She [Meloni] wanted every word to be clearly understood — it was a high-stakes meeting,” she added, acknowledging the importance of the occasion.
Maiolini-Rothbacher revealed that she hasn’t spoken with Meloni since the incident, having departed directly for the airport after the meeting. Reports indicate she is now spending time in Santa Marinella, a coastal town near Rome.
Trump’s Response to Meloni’s Clarification
Once Meloni delivered her remarks in English, Trump responded by clarifying his position on the Ukraine conflict. He stated that he does not blame Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the war but expressed discontent that it had broken out at all.
The following day, Prime Minister Meloni met with US Vice President JD Vance in Rome, continuing her diplomatic engagements.
Key Takeaways:
- Valentina Maiolini-Rothbacher apologised for a translation error during a pivotal meeting between Meloni and Trump.
- Meloni intervened to deliver her own English translation regarding Ukraine and NATO.
- The interpreter, a veteran in her field, described the event as a rare and unfortunate lapse.
- Trump responded to Meloni’s translated remarks by clarifying his stance on Ukraine.
This incident underscores the pressure and precision required in diplomatic interpretation, especially during sensitive international discussions.
