Trump and Meloni: In a meeting held at the White House on Tuesday, Donald Trump and Giorgia Meloni expressed a positive outlook regarding the possibility of a tariff agreement between the United States and the European Union.
The far-right Italian Prime Minister engaged in a charm offensive, presenting herself as the sole European leader capable of alleviating Trump’s trade tensions.
She highlighted their shared conservative principles and articulated her ambition to “make the West great again.”
“There will be a trade deal,” Trump stated during her visit, while Meloni expressed her confidence in their capacity to reach an agreement.
The two leaders fostered a friendly atmosphere during a working lunch and discussions in the Oval Office, with Trump commending the 48-year-old Italian leader as “fantastic.”
Meloni is the first European leader to meet with Trump since he enacted a 20 percent tariff on EU exports, a measure he has since suspended for a period of 90 days.
She mentioned that Trump had accepted her invitation to visit Rome in the “near future” and might also meet with other European leaders during his trip.
“Even if we face some issues across the Atlantic, now is the time to unite and seek solutions,” she remarked.
Meloni emphasized their shared views on immigration and “woke” ideology, stating, “My aim is to make the West great again, and I believe we can accomplish this together.”
While Trump expressed hope for an agreement with the 27-nation bloc, which he alleges is attempting to “screw” the United States, he remarked that he was “not in a hurry.”
“Everyone is eager to reach an agreement — and if they are unwilling, we will negotiate on their behalf,” Trump added.
He reiterated his administration’s previous criticisms of Europe, asserting that it needs to be more prudent regarding immigration and enhance its defense spending within NATO.
In a separate context, Trump mentioned that China had “reached out” concerning a potential resolution to the ongoing trade conflict between the two largest economies in the world.
Following China’s retaliatory actions against his sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs announced on April 2, Trump imposed steep tariffs of up to 145 percent on Chinese products.
“I believe we will come to a favourable agreement with China,” he remarked.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine remained a sensitive subject for both Trump and Meloni.
Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, Meloni has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky, recently denouncing Moscow’s attack on the city of Sumy as “horrible and vile.”
In contrast, Trump has baffled allies with his shift toward Moscow and his repeated criticisms of Zelensky, whom he scolded during a meeting in the Oval Office in February.
With Meloni present, Trump stated, “I don’t blame Zelensky for the situation, but I’m not particularly pleased that the war began,” adding that he was “not a big fan” of Ukraine.
Meloni previously acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding her trip as Europe navigates the consequences of an aggressive nation that has historically acted as its protector.
“I understand my role and the values I am defending,” Meloni stated on Tuesday.
Italian media reported that one of Meloni’s objectives for the visit was to facilitate a meeting between Trump and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Her decision to engage directly with Trump has raised concerns among EU allies, who worry that her visit could undermine the bloc’s unity.
“If we begin bilateral negotiations, it will certainly change the current dynamics,” warned France’s Industry Minister Marc Ferracci last week.
A spokesperson for the European Commission indicated that while the EU is the only entity authorised to negotiate trade agreements, Meloni’s efforts are “very welcome” and were coordinated with Brussels.
After she meets with Trump on Thursday, Meloni is scheduled to return to Rome on Friday to host US Vice President JD Vance for a planned meeting.
The tariffs threatened by Trump could have a significant impact on Italy, the world’s fourth-largest exporter, with approximately 10 percent of its exports directed to the United States.
