Valentina Maiolini-Rothbacher, long-time interpreter and educator, rose up to that challenge lately in a remarkable fashion. She helped bring Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni through a high-profile visit to the White House. As a trained interpreter, Maiolini-Rothbacher has developed an impressive career in interpretation since 1991. She’s worked at all types of major events, from the G20 to giving interpretation for former U.S. President Donald Trump at his visit to the federal building, among many others.
Then, at an official meeting with Meloni, Maiolini-Rothbacher found herself struggling to interpret. She had a lot of difficulty with the translation and stopped many times to sift through her notes. At one point, Meloni cut her off while she was translating, which only added to the chaos of the exchange. After the meeting, Maiolini-Rothbacher immediately raced to the airport without talking to Meloni.
Looking back on the experience, Maiolini-Rothbacher said she was heartbroken. She stated that this incident marked a first for her: “I have never had a calamity like this happen to me before.”
The seasoned interpreter emphasized the importance of clear communication in such high-stakes meetings, noting, “She wanted to be perfectly understood by Donald Trump.” Maiolini-Rothbacher was particularly demoralized by the experience. She reflected on that error calling it “the worst thing that can happen to an interpreter, a horrible blow.”
These days, she is often found near the sea, in the territory of Santa Marinella. Currently, she’s spending time reflecting on her experience and what it means for her professional practice. With a LinkedIn profile that highlights her qualifications and past engagements, Maiolini-Rothbacher remains a respected figure in her field despite this recent setback.
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