Meloni’s Washington Visit Aims to Build Trade Bridge as Trump Signals Deal with Europe
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with Donald Trump in Washington, positioning herself as a potential mediator between Europe and the United States amid tense trade relations.
- Trump expressed strong optimism about a new trade agreement, stating “There will be a trade deal, 100%,” but emphasized it must be “a fair deal”.
- Meloni echoed that confidence, saying she was “sure” a deal could be reached and underlined her broader ambition to “make the West great again”.
- The meeting follows Trump’s recent imposition—and partial suspension—of 20% tariffs on imports from the European Union, which have rattled transatlantic trade dynamics.
- Meloni dubbed the trip a “commercial peace mission”, aiming to soften U.S.-EU tensions and show that dialogue is still possible, even if tangible progress on tariffs remains elusive for now.
- In a relaxed Oval Office press conference, the two leaders discussed defense spending, immigration, and trade, reflecting broad alignment in their political outlooks.
- Trump accepted Meloni’s invitation to visit Rome, a diplomatic win for the Italian leader, who hopes to leverage the visit to reconnect the U.S. with other European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen.
- While Meloni secured no immediate tariff concessions, the symbolic value of her visit—particularly the rapport displayed—may enhance her standing both in Italy and across the EU.
- Meloni reinforced her alignment with Trump’s ideological stance, taking aim at “woke ideology” and supporting hardline immigration policies, while also promoting her government’s economic record.
- The Italian leader’s charm offensive culminated in a light-hearted exchange where she said, “Forgive me if I promote my country, but you’re a businessman and you understand me,” prompting Trump to grin.
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