In a high-profile meeting at the White House, President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni pledge to strengthen trade ties between the United States and Europe, signaling a renewed commitment to economic cooperation amid lingering global tensions. The discussion underscores Trump’s insistence on fair trade practices and Meloni’s rising influence as a key figure in European politics.
During the meeting, President Trump expresses admiration for Meloni, stating he has “immense respect” for her leadership and believes that the U.S. will face “little problems” reaching trade agreements with Europe. The two leaders appear aligned in their vision of reshaping global trade frameworks to benefit their respective nations. Trump adds that under his leadership, the United States is reversing policies that allowed other countries to “rip off” the U.S., asserting that “no country can compete with the U.S.”
Meloni, who leads Italy’s far-right Brothers of Italy party and currently serves as the country’s first female prime minister, says she is optimistic about finding common ground with the U.S. on trade and investment. She calls the meeting “constructive” and emphasizes the importance of a strong transatlantic relationship that “respects mutual sovereignty and fosters prosperity on both sides of the ocean.”
The bilateral dialogue comes as European Union officials cautiously monitor Meloni’s efforts to act as a bridge between Trump and European capitals. Though some EU member states remain wary of her nationalist platform, they view her outreach as a potential means of securing more favorable trade conditions should Trump return to office in the 2024 U.S. election. A senior State Department official says the meeting is being closely watched across Europe, where leaders hope Meloni can influence Trump’s approach to diplomacy with the EU.
Trump, known for his confrontational trade stance during his previous term, once imposed tariffs on European steel and aluminum and threatened punitive duties on auto imports. However, he now signals a more open approach, suggesting that the U.S. is ready to revisit and renegotiate terms with its European partners, particularly Italy.
While Trump also briefly mentions progress on trade with China, the focus remains on improving ties with Europe. He does not offer specifics on any agreements reached during the meeting with Meloni but insists that the current administration is “turning the ship around” from what he describes as years of “bad deals” under previous leadership.
Meloni’s visit to Washington is part of a broader diplomatic tour aimed at securing economic assurances and political recognition from key global allies. Analysts note that her alignment with Trump—both ideologically and strategically—could shape the next phase of U.S.-EU relations if Trump wins another term.
Though no formal trade agreements are announced, both leaders express confidence that deeper economic collaboration is on the horizon. The meeting concludes with Trump and Meloni reaffirming their mutual respect and intention to work together to ensure fairer and more balanced global trade dynamics.
