During their discussion on Thursday at the White House, President Trump and Prime Minister Meloni of Italy both voiced their hope for a future trade agreement between their countries and Europe.
“I am absolutely certain that a trade deal will be reached,” Trump assured. A trade deal will definitely take place. I expect a trade agreement will be struck between us; however, it will be fair, and they are eager to do so.
The president had previously attacked Europe, accusing it of taking advantage of the United States in trade talks and failing to do its share in military spending, but this was the first time he openly voiced optimism about the prospects of trade talks with Europe. He has focused his diplomatic efforts on Indo-Pacific countries like Japan and Korea so far in an effort to put more pressure on China.
While Meloni acknowledged that she could not negotiate on behalf of the entire 27-member bloc, she did imply that honest dialogue would lead to a final agreement. Meloni was the first European leader to visit the White House since Trump imposed and then halted a comprehensive tariff regime against the EU. Nearly all imported items into the US are still subject to Trump’s 10% worldwide levy, including those from Europe.
“I have faith that we can reach an agreement,” Meloni told reporters as they were welcomed to a lunch meeting. “Allow me to assist you with that.”
The far-right Italian leader has worked closely with EU and NATO allies since becoming president, and she has extended an invitation to Trump to visit Italy at some point.
With compliments like “a great prime minister” and “one of the real leaders of the world,” Trump showered Meloni with adulation.
Some EU officials are worried that Meloni’s trip may break the bloc’s single front with the single States on trade, despite the fact that she consulted with EU President Ursula von der Leyen before her travel to Washington. Just as they had suspected, Trump would use the visit to highlight how international leaders are “kissing his ass” in reaction to the tariff threats.
According to his brag on TruthSocial, “Every nation wants to meet!” before Meloni arrived. “Terrazza today!”
The White House official, who wished to remain anonymous while briefing reporters earlier, clarified that the visit of the Italian prime minister had been planned “long before the tariffs came into place,” which goes against Trump’s own interpretation of the meeting as a reaction to his tariff maneuver.