Washington:
In a closely watched diplomatic engagement at the White House, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni projected cautious optimism over a potential U.S.-European Union trade agreement. However, Trump made it clear there was "no rush" to lift punitive tariffs, even as the two leaders emphasized their conservative alignment and commitment to restoring Western strength.
Trump, who has recently reinstated 20% tariffs on European Union exports—suspended temporarily for 90 days—welcomed Meloni for a working lunch and Oval Office talks, describing her as "fantastic" and a “strong leader.” Meloni, Italy’s far-right premier, is the first European head of government to meet with Trump since the tariff hike.
“There will be a trade deal, 100 percent,” Trump told reporters during the joint appearance. Meloni added, “I am sure we can reach an agreement,” suggesting a readiness to serve as Europe’s mediator with Trump, whom she invited to Rome in the “near future.”
Despite the cordial atmosphere, Trump warned that he was in “no rush” to finalize a trade pact. “Everybody wants to make a deal—and if they don’t want to make a deal, we’ll make the deal for them,” he said, reiterating long-standing grievances with Europe over trade imbalances, immigration policies, and NATO spending.
Meloni echoed Trump’s criticism of “woke ideology” and unchecked migration, stating, “My goal is to make the West great again, and I believe we can do it together.”
The meeting comes amid growing concerns within the EU about Meloni’s outreach to Trump. While the European Commission confirmed that Meloni’s visit was coordinated with Brussels, some EU officials, notably in France, warned that unilateral diplomacy could risk undermining the bloc’s unified stance.
“A bilateral approach might break the current dynamic,” said France’s Industry Minister Marc Ferracci.
Trump also used the platform to pivot toward China, revealing that Beijing had “reached out” to discuss a potential resolution to the intensifying U.S.-China trade war. Earlier this month, Trump imposed sweeping 145% tariffs on Chinese goods under his new “Liberation Day” tariff regime.
“I think we’re going to make a very good deal with China,” he said.
On the sensitive topic of Russia’s war in Ukraine, differences between the two leaders were more pronounced. Meloni reaffirmed her strong support for Ukraine, calling Russia’s recent Palm Sunday attack on Sumy “horrible and vile.” Trump, by contrast, restated his critical view of President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying, “I don’t hold Zelensky responsible, but I’m not exactly thrilled with the fact that the war started. I’m not a big fan.”
Italian media reported that Meloni’s ultimate aim is to broker a future meeting between Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. With Europe grappling with geopolitical uncertainty, Meloni remarked, “I am aware of what I represent and what I am defending.”
Following her White House visit, Meloni is set to return to Rome on Friday, where she will meet U.S. Vice President JD Vance in another sign of her growing role as a transatlantic liaison.
Trump’s proposed tariffs remain a serious concern for Italy, which is the world’s fourth-largest exporter and sends nearly 10% of its exports to the U.S. A prolonged tariff war could significantly impact Italian industries and the broader European economy.
