Trump Calls Pavarotti, Who Has Been Dead 10 Years, ‘a Great Friend of Mine’

EXCERPT:

TRUMP: “Thank you very much. Prime Minister Gentiloni, welcome. Great honor. It is wonderful to have you in our wonderful people’s house known as the White House. So many great Italian friends are with us today. We renew, always, the deep ties of history and friendship that link together the American and the Italian peoples. That history traces its roots to the timeless contributions of Italy, to civilization, and human progress. So true. Stretching all the way back to ancient Rome. through the ages, your country has been a beacon of artistic and scientific achievement. That continues today. From the Venice to Florence, from Verdi to Pavarotti, a friend of mine, great friend of mine, these bonds of history and culture have only grown stronger as our two nations have become close partners, dear friends, and very vital allies."