Published 13:58 IST, October 3rd 2019
Trump aide handed block of cheese by Italian reporter Martinelli
Mike Pompeo was handed a huge chunk of cheese on Tuesday over an apparent appeal against President Trump's administration putting tariffs on Italian cheese.
A photo session for Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte was hindered by a lady using a hunk of cheese on October 1. The incident was caught on camera and needs to be seen to be believed.US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was handed a huge chunk of Parmesan on Tuesday over an apparent appeal against President Donald Trump's administration putting tariffs on the famed Italian cheese. In the video clip, Alice Martinelli, an Italian TV reporter, can be seen approaching Pompeo during his press appearance alongside Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte with a sizable wedge in her hand.
The reporter says she had got a present for the US State Secretary
The reporter said she had got a present for the US State Secretary. She said the Prime Minister knows what she is talking about. She said it is Parmigiano-Reggiano. It is something that the Italian families make with the heart every day. According to an Italian digital outlet, Prime Minister Conte told Martinelli in Italian: "Let me do it. I'm the prime minister. This is not how Italy defends itself." Martinelli can be heard saying "Take it to Mr. Trump, please, and tell him that we make it from the heart. We make it from the heart!" as she was led away. State Secretary Pompeo, however, managed to keep a smile on his face while Conte seemed less amused.
10, 000 tonnes of Parmesan cheese were exported overseas
An international news agency reported the previous week that Italy's farmers and dairy manufacturers were considering protesting outside the US military bases in the country to express their displeasure with the tariff hikes. It reported that in 2018, 10, 000 tonnes of Parmesan cheese were exported overseas. The hike in taxes by the US was approved by the World Trade Organisation and the industry leaders expect the consumption of cheese in the US will drop by 80 to 90 percent. The stunt was designed to convey the message that Italian diaries are worried about the increase in tariffs over European food products.
Updated 21:41 IST, October 4th 2019