(Trump and Meloni Talk Trade, Tariffs, and Transatlantic Relations)
U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed optimism over a possible trade deal between the U.S. and Europe during Meloni’s visit to Washington. Trump went as far as to say, “There will be a trade deal, 100 percent,” to which Meloni, in a similar tone, replied that she was “sure” one could be reached, arguing instead for “to make the West great again.”
Meloni is the first European leader to visit the U.S. since Trump imposed and later paused a 20% tariff on EU imports. Although nothing concrete ascended from her visit in terms of pending tariff relief, Meloni managed to secure Trump’s agreement to go to Rome with the chance of meeting with other European leaders as well, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Here is an official video posted by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in her official twitter. Link for the official video post: https://x.com/i/status/1912948315819291132
Other issues put on the agenda during the meeting were immigration, defense spending, and global economic policies. Trump seemed confident in terms of a deal with quite a number of countries, including China, although he exercised caution on whether to further raise the present 145% tariffs.
Meloni’s deft diplomacy and consonance with Trump rhetoric on migration and ideological matters cemented her role as a crucial speaker between Washington and Brussels. The Italian leader will next welcome U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Rome, which will further strengthen transatlantic relationships in a troubled environment for global trade.
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