In a significant diplomatic meeting, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on April 17, 2025, with a focus on tariff policies and the prospect of a trade deal between the U.S. and Europe. The meeting marks Meloni as the first European leader to visit Washington since Trump imposed a temporary 20% tariff on imports from the European Union, which has been a point of contention.
During their discussions, Trump expressed confidence about the potential for a trade deal, stating, "There will be a trade deal, 100%, but it will be a fair deal." Meloni echoed this sentiment, affirming her belief that they could reach an agreement, saying her aim was to "make the West great again." This phrase, which resonates with Trump's slogan, signals a shared ideological ground between the two leaders.
Meloni's visit is particularly notable given the backdrop of strained transatlantic relations, exacerbated by Trump's trade policies. Her aides described the trip as a "commercial peace mission" aimed at smoothing over tensions following Trump's imposition of a 10% baseline tariff on almost all foreign imports to the U.S. The temporary suspension of the 20% retaliatory tariff on the EU until July has left room for negotiations, which both leaders appear eager to pursue.
In a relaxed atmosphere in the Oval Office, Meloni and Trump discussed various topics, including defense spending, immigration, and tariffs. Trump, who has been vocal in his criticism of the EU, previously claimed it was "formed to screw the United States." Despite this, he has shown a willingness to engage with Meloni, who has positioned herself as a bridge between the U.S. and the EU amidst these turbulent times.
During the meeting, Meloni made a pointed reference to their shared battles against what she termed "woke and DEI ideology," which has become a rallying cry for many conservative leaders. This alignment with Trump’s views on cultural issues underscores her strategy to cultivate a strong rapport with the U.S. president. Meloni stated, "The goal for me is to make the West great again, and I think we can do it together," reinforcing her commitment to conservative values.
While the meeting did not yield immediate tangible results regarding tariffs, Meloni did manage to secure an invitation for Trump to visit Rome, a move she hopes will facilitate further discussions with other European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission. This invitation is seen as a diplomatic win for Meloni, who is keen to enhance her standing as a key interlocutor between the U.S. and Europe.
Meloni’s relationship with Trump is characterized by mutual respect and admiration. Trump praised her leadership, stating, "Everybody loves her and respects her," a sentiment that Meloni reciprocated by highlighting Italy's positive economic situation under her government. She noted improvements in inflation and employment during her tenure, saying, "Forgive me if I promote my country, but you're a businessman and you understand me." This exchange not only illustrated their camaraderie but also Meloni's strategic positioning as a capable leader in Europe.
However, challenges remain, particularly regarding defense spending. Meloni acknowledged Italy's current expenditure of 1.49% of GDP on defense, which falls short of NATO's target of 2%. She expressed confidence that Italy would meet this requirement by the next NATO meeting in June, a commitment that aligns with Trump’s long-standing demands for increased defense contributions from NATO allies.
Following their meeting, Meloni is set to meet U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Rome, further solidifying her role as a key figure in U.S.-European relations. This meeting is expected to enhance her credibility as a bridge between the U.S. and the EU, especially in light of the ongoing discussions about trade and defense.
Italian opposition leader Carlo Calenda remarked on the outcomes of Meloni's visit, noting that she managed to maintain a focus on Ukraine while also convincing Trump to engage with EU leaders in Italy. Calenda emphasized that Meloni's ability to navigate these complex relationships has bolstered her standing in both U.S. and European politics.
As Trump continues to pursue trade agreements with various countries, he expressed optimism about reaching a deal with China as well, stating that representatives from Beijing have reached out to his administration multiple times. He is not in a rush to finalize these agreements, indicating that he expects to cut deals with every country "over the next three to four weeks." This broader context of U.S. trade policy adds another layer of complexity to Meloni's negotiations with Trump.
In summary, Meloni's visit to Washington represents a pivotal moment in U.S.-European relations, characterized by shared ideological beliefs and mutual respect. While the discussions on tariffs and trade agreements are ongoing, both leaders are keen to explore opportunities that could reshape the economic landscape between the U.S. and Europe. As Meloni returns to Italy, she does so with a strengthened position, having successfully engaged with Trump and laid the groundwork for future collaboration.
