• Source:JND
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In a high-level diplomatic meeting at the White House, former US President Donald Trump received Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, making her the first European leader to meet the Republican leader since his imposition of heavy tariffs on European Union exports last month. The meeting, conducted in the Oval Office and preceded by a working lunch, centered on significant global issues, such as trade, defense, immigration, and common conservative values.

Trump Praises Meloni As 'Fantastic' Leader

PM Giorgia Meloni utilized the opportunity to reposition herself as a key interlocutor between the US and the EU by stressing her conservative positioning with Trump. "The objective for me is to make the West great again, and I believe we can do it together," she told her audience at the White House. Meloni pointed out shared ground on matters such as immigration, defense budgets, and resistance to "woke" culture, calling for a deeper transatlantic bond in the face of worldwide uncertainty.

Trump was all praise for the Italian premier, describing her as “one of the real leaders of the world.” He added, “I think Giorgia Meloni is a great Prime Minister. She’s doing a fantastic job in Italy… I’ve known her since her early days and always believed she has amazing talent.”

'No Rush' to Lift Tariffs, Trump Says

While maintaining a firm position on tariffs, Trump showed optimism about a future trade agreement with the European bloc. “There will be a trade deal, 100 percent,” he stated, expressing full confidence in bilateral cooperation. Meloni echoed the sentiment, saying she was “sure” that both sides could reach a comprehensive trade agreement that would benefit the US and the EU alike.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Trump reiterated his tough stance on EU tariffs, stating, “We are in no rush to end the tariffs imposed on the European Union.” The former President had earlier levied a 20 per cent tariff on EU exports, which he has temporarily suspended for 90 days. He added, “Everybody wants to make a deal, and if they don’t, we’ll make the deal for them.”

Impact of Tariffs on Italy

The 20 per cent tariff would have a major impact on Italy, the fourth-largest exporter in the world, with close to 10 per cent of its exports going to the US. A possible agreement would reduce the economic burden on Italian industries. With the world political order changing, the Trump-Meloni meeting has placed Italy at the forefront of US-EU relations, hinting at a likely reset in transatlantic partnership before future global events. Meloni also extended an invitation to Trump to come to Rome soon, which the former US President accepted with alacrity. She mentioned that the trip would also involve meetings with other European leaders, paving the way for wider transatlantic negotiations.