Key Points
- US President Donald Trump hosted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the White House, praising her as “one of the real leaders of the world” and “a very special person.”
- The meeting focused on shared conservative values, trade tensions, and a united pledge to “make the West great again.”
- Meloni is the first European leader to visit Trump after his 20% tariff imposition on EU goods, a move she previously criticized as “wrong.”
- Trump accepted Meloni’s invitation to visit Rome, opening the door for broader engagement with European leaders.
- The leaders discussed cooperation on immigration, opposition to “woke” ideology, and strengthening transatlantic ties amid ongoing trade disputes.
Washington D.C.: In a meeting marked by warmth and ideological alignment, US President Donald Trump welcomed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to the White House on Thursday, calling her “one of the real leaders of the world” and “a very special person”. The two leaders, both known for their assertive conservative stances, used the occasion to emphasize a shared vision for the West and to address key issues including trade, immigration, and cultural values.
A Cordial Encounter Amid Trade Tensions
Meloni’s visit comes at a pivotal moment she is the first European leader to meet Trump since his administration imposed a 20% tariff on EU exports, a move that has been temporarily suspended for 90 days to allow for negotiations. While Meloni had previously criticized the tariffs as “wrong,” her trip was seen as an effort to leverage her strong rapport with Trump to ease transatlantic tensions and advocate for Italy’s interests.
During their Oval Office meeting, Trump was notably complimentary, stating, “I do like her very much. I think she’s a great prime minister, and I think she’s done a fantastic job in Italy. We are very proud of her”. Trump also highlighted Meloni’s leadership on immigration, calling her a role model for Europe and expressing a desire for more leaders to adopt her approach.
United on Conservative Values and “Making the West Great Again”
Both leaders underscored their common ground on conservative issues. Meloni, speaking in English, emphasized their mutual opposition to “woke” and DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) ideologies, declaring, “Our goal is to make the West great again, and I am sure we can do it together”. Trump echoed her sentiments, praising Meloni’s assertiveness and her ability to “take Europe by storm”.
Meloni also invited Trump to visit Rome in the near future, suggesting it could be an opportunity for him to meet with other European leaders. Trump accepted the invitation, signaling a possible thaw in his often-frosty relations with the broader EU leadership.
Trade, Energy, and Strategic Partnerships
The leaders’ discussions extended to trade and investment, with Meloni announcing plans for increased Italian investment in the US and a commitment to boost imports of American liquefied natural gas. She positioned Italy as a bridge between the US and Europe, while clarifying that any new trade deals would require EU-level negotiations.
Meloni also reaffirmed Italy’s support for Ukraine but carefully navigated sensitive topics, choosing not to directly challenge Trump’s skepticism about European contributions to defense or his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Body Language and Personal Rapport
Observers noted the positive body language throughout the meeting, with Trump offering a thumbs-up in official photos and Meloni displaying relaxed confidence[1]. The chemistry between the leaders was evident, with Trump remarking, “Everyone adores and respects her, and I can’t say that about many people”.
The Meloni-Trump summit highlights a new chapter in US-Italy relations, with both leaders pledging to strengthen Western unity, tackle shared challenges, and pursue a conservative agenda on the world stage. As trade negotiations continue, Meloni’s unique position as a bridge between Trump and Europe could prove pivotal for transatlantic diplomacy.
