Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni became the first European leader to meet with US President Donald Trump since his administration imposed new tariffs on European goods earlier this month.
Their meeting at the White House came during a critical 90-day pause on the 20% tariffs introduced by the US in response to a 25% EU rate on American exports.
The discussion between Trump and Meloni focused heavily on trade, with both leaders showing a positive attitude toward reaching an agreement. Trump expressed full confidence that a deal with the European Union would be achieved, insisting that negotiations would be smooth. He hinted that the US holds a strong bargaining position, suggesting that what America offers is in high demand globally.
Meloni’s visit to Washington carries weight, not only because of her country’s economic ties with the US—Italy exports roughly €67 billion worth of goods to America each year—but also because of her close relationship with Trump. She is widely seen in Europe as a leader who might be able to open doors with the former president, especially as tensions over trade policies continue to rise.
Ahead of the meeting, Meloni stressed her determination to defend Italy’s interests while aiming for a cooperative outcome. During her remarks, she said her goal was to build mutual understanding and push for a fair agreement, suggesting a “zero-for-zero” tariff framework where both sides would remove duties entirely.
The meeting also sparked concerns within the European Union, with some EU leaders warning that bilateral talks between the US and individual member states could weaken overall unity. France, in particular, voiced skepticism, suggesting Trump’s approach could divide the bloc. While the French government later softened its language, the issue reflects deeper concerns about internal cohesion during high-stakes negotiations.
During the public portion of the meeting, Trump praised Meloni and called her a strong and effective leader. Meloni, in turn, invited Trump to visit Italy and proposed a meeting between him and other EU leaders. She expressed optimism that their conversations would lead to a positive outcome for both sides.
In addition to trade, Trump briefly mentioned China, saying the US would secure a favorable deal with Beijing as well. He downplayed any concerns about US allies shifting closer to China, stating that the US remains unmatched in global competition.
As the private talks between delegations began behind closed doors, both leaders appeared confident. Meloni stated her belief that a final deal with the US was achievable and emphasized the importance of open, honest dialogue to reach common ground. Her visit marks a key moment in US-EU relations under Trump’s renewed presidency, with the outcome of these talks likely to shape economic ties for years to come.