In a rare show of optimism regarding transatlantic relations, U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met in the White House Oval Office on 17th April, Thursday, marking a significant moment in U.S.-Europe diplomacy. Their meeting highlighted the growing rapport between the two leaders, both of whom are known for their strong, nationalist stances. While their conversation centered around trade, defense, and immigration, it also underscored the emerging personal bond between Trump and Meloni, which could play a pivotal role in bridging the divide between the U.S. and Europe.
A Trade Deal “100%”
The atmosphere in the Oval Office was warm and cordial as Trump lavished praise on Meloni, calling her “a great talent” and “one of the real leaders of the world.” At the heart of their discussions was the possibility of a trade deal between the U.S. and the European Union—a deal Trump asserted would definitely happen. “There will be a trade deal, 100%,” Trump declared confidently. “But it will be a fair deal.” Meloni, sitting alongside the U.S. president, agreed, noting that she was “sure” an agreement would be reached. “My goal is to make the West great again, and I think we can do it together,” she said, echoing Trump’s own slogan from his first presidential campaign.
Meloni, who is the first European leader to visit Washington since Trump imposed a 20% tariff on European imports earlier this year, is hoping to position herself as a diplomatic bridge between the U.S. and the European Union. She has been vocal in her opposition to the U.S. tariffs, which she argues will harm both Europe and the U.S., yet she remains steadfast in her belief that dialogue and negotiation are key to resolving the trade tensions. Despite Trump’s earlier tough rhetoric against Europe, he appeared more conciliatory during the meeting, acknowledging the mutual desire for a trade agreement. “They want to make one very much,” Trump said, referring to the EU. “We’re going to make a deal, I fully expect it, and it’ll be a fair trade deal.”
Tariffs, Trade, and Trust
Meloni’s visit comes at a critical juncture, following Trump’s decision to impose significant tariffs on European imports, including steel, aluminum, and cars. However, those tariffs were temporarily suspended, and Meloni’s goal was clear: prevent further escalation while keeping the door open for dialogue. Meloni’s team has framed the visit as a “commercial peace mission,” hoping to steer the conversation away from potential trade conflicts and toward collaborative solutions. The U.S. is Italy’s second-largest export market, and a potential trade war could add strain to Italy’s already sluggish economy. Meloni has also indicated that Italy is eager to increase its purchases of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the U.S., and that Italian companies plan to invest up to €10 billion in the American economy.
Defence, Immigration, and the ‘Woke Ideology’ Fight
In addition to trade, the two leaders discussed defense spending and immigration—two issues central to their political platforms. Meloni, whose government has been tough on illegal immigration, expressed her alignment with Trump on this issue, decrying what she called the “woke ideology” and emphasizing the need for stronger borders.
Meloni’s remarks were well-received by Trump, who has consistently railed against what he views as Europe’s mismanagement of immigration and its lack of sufficient defense spending. Italy, which is a key NATO ally, has committed to increasing its defense budget to meet NATO’s target of 2% of GDP—a point that Trump acknowledged positively.
“The goal for me is to make the West great again, and I think together we can do it,” Meloni said, before pivoting to highlight the successes of her own government. “I’m proud of sitting here as Prime Minister of an Italy that today has a very good situation—stable and reliable,” she added. The Italian leader touted her administration’s efforts to reduce inflation and improve employment, drawing a knowing smile from Trump as she cheekily added, “Forgive me if I promote my country, but you’re a businessman and you understand me.”
A Symbolic Visit, A Potential Strategic Shift
While no immediate breakthroughs were made on tariffs or trade terms, Meloni’s visit is seen as a significant diplomatic victory. In addition to securing Trump’s commitment to visit Rome, Meloni’s close relationship with the U.S. president could pave the way for future cooperation on multiple fronts, including defense, trade, and immigration. For Meloni, this trip may solidify her reputation as a “Trump whisperer,” a leader able to navigate the complexities of transatlantic relations and find common ground with the unpredictable U.S. president. Trump’s rhetoric about the EU has been consistently combative, with the president accusing the bloc of unfair trade practices and asserting that it was “formed to screw the United States.” However, Meloni’s personal rapport with Trump may help defuse some of the tensions between the two sides. As Trump looks to bolster his foreign policy credentials ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Meloni’s position as a trusted ally on the international stage could give her leverage in future negotiations, particularly as the U.S. seeks to recalibrate its relationships with both Europe and China.
Looking Ahead
Trump, who is known for his aggressive trade policies, seems intent on using tariffs as both a negotiation tactic and a means of boosting U.S. revenue. “We’re making a lot of money, we’re taking a lot of money,” Trump said during a press conference, boasting about the billions of dollars generated from his tariffs. However, while he remains confident that a deal can be reached, Trump has signaled that he is in “no rush” to strike a trade agreement, and has even suggested that he may be open to reducing some tariffs in the future. This leaves open the possibility of further negotiations with Europe, particularly as Meloni returns to Europe with the promise of continued dialogue and a potential Trump visit on the horizon.
For now, both leaders are basking in the positive optics of their relationship, with Meloni positioned as an important figure in Trump’s efforts to reshape U.S. trade policy, and a key player in strengthening U.S.-Italy ties. Whether this newfound rapport leads to a lasting breakthrough in transatlantic trade relations remains to be seen, but the door to a deal has, at least for now, been firmly opened.
