During a significant meeting in Washington, former President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni underscored their hopes for a potential trade deal between the US and Europe, with both leaders keen to strengthen economic ties amidst skepticism over current tariffs.
Trump and Meloni Emphasize Possibility of US-European Trade Agreement
Trump and Meloni Emphasize Possibility of US-European Trade Agreement
US and Italian leaders express optimism on trade talks as Trump meets Meloni in Washington.
Amid the backdrop of a pressing global economy, Trump declared, "There will be a trade deal, 100%," asserting that fairness would be a priority. Meloni expressed her confidence in reaching a consensus, remarking that her objective is to "make the West great again." The Italian prime minister, marking her status as the first European leader to meet Trump since the imposed tariffs on EU imports, is aiming to bridge the divide between the EU and the US.
Their meeting, characterized by camaraderie and a relaxed atmosphere within the Oval Office, covered various topics including defense spending, immigration, and existing tariffs. Meloni's advisers branded the visit a "commercial peace mission" due to Trump’s previous tariff impositions. The duo’s discussions followed Trump's decision to temporarily pause the 20% tariffs on European goods. Meloni has previously criticized such tariffs, claiming they were harmful to both the EU and the US economy.
While tangible accomplishments regarding tariffs did not surface, Meloni successfully extended an invitation for Trump to visit Rome, hopeful that such a trip would allow him to interact with other European leaders and potentially meet EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen.
Positioning herself further as a connective link between the US and Europe, Meloni will host US Vice President JD Vance in Rome on the heels of her American visit. Her alignment with Trump’s views was evident as she emphasized the fight against "woke ideology" and articulated her commitment to tackling illegal immigration.
In her concluding remarks, Meloni highlighted Italy’s improving economic indicators under her leadership, noting reductions in inflation and improvements in employment. Trump resonated with her sentiments, acknowledging her government’s achievements.
Though occasionally frustrated with questions about Italy's defense spending—currently lagging at 1.49% of GDP, shy of the NATO threshold—Meloni expressed optimism about future commitments during the NATO meeting in June. Opposition leader Carlo Calenda responded positively to the visit’s outcomes, commending Meloni's steadfastness on Ukraine and her ability to engage Trump favorably regarding EU leaders.
Through this encounter, Meloni augmented her diplomatic credentials, indicating potential future collaboration aimed at reconciling transatlantic relationships in an increasingly complex global landscape.
Their meeting, characterized by camaraderie and a relaxed atmosphere within the Oval Office, covered various topics including defense spending, immigration, and existing tariffs. Meloni's advisers branded the visit a "commercial peace mission" due to Trump’s previous tariff impositions. The duo’s discussions followed Trump's decision to temporarily pause the 20% tariffs on European goods. Meloni has previously criticized such tariffs, claiming they were harmful to both the EU and the US economy.
While tangible accomplishments regarding tariffs did not surface, Meloni successfully extended an invitation for Trump to visit Rome, hopeful that such a trip would allow him to interact with other European leaders and potentially meet EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen.
Positioning herself further as a connective link between the US and Europe, Meloni will host US Vice President JD Vance in Rome on the heels of her American visit. Her alignment with Trump’s views was evident as she emphasized the fight against "woke ideology" and articulated her commitment to tackling illegal immigration.
In her concluding remarks, Meloni highlighted Italy’s improving economic indicators under her leadership, noting reductions in inflation and improvements in employment. Trump resonated with her sentiments, acknowledging her government’s achievements.
Though occasionally frustrated with questions about Italy's defense spending—currently lagging at 1.49% of GDP, shy of the NATO threshold—Meloni expressed optimism about future commitments during the NATO meeting in June. Opposition leader Carlo Calenda responded positively to the visit’s outcomes, commending Meloni's steadfastness on Ukraine and her ability to engage Trump favorably regarding EU leaders.
Through this encounter, Meloni augmented her diplomatic credentials, indicating potential future collaboration aimed at reconciling transatlantic relationships in an increasingly complex global landscape.
