Washington: – Former US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni struck a hopeful tone Thursday on resolving trade tensions during her White House visit, even as Trump said there’s “no rush” to end tariffs on the European Union.
Meloni, the first EU leader to meet Trump since he imposed a 20% tariff on EU exports, said she’s confident in reaching a deal, positioning herself as a key bridge between Europe and the Republican leader.
“There will be a trade deal, 100 percent,” Trump said. Meloni echoed the sentiment, saying she was “sure” they could find common ground.
The two leaders, who share strong conservative views on immigration and culture wars, praised each other during a working lunch and Oval Office meeting. Trump called Meloni “fantastic,” while she said their goal is to “make the West great again.”
While optimistic about a deal, Trump added, “Everybody wants to make a deal—and if they don’t, we’ll make the deal for them.”
He also criticized Europe’s immigration policies and NATO defense spending, urging EU nations to “get smart.”
Trump said China had reached out about ending the ongoing trade war after he imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese goods earlier this month. “I think we’re going to make a very good deal with China,” he noted.
On Ukraine, Meloni reiterated her strong support for Kyiv, calling Russia’s Palm Sunday attack on Sumy “vile.” Trump, however, said he wasn’t “thrilled” about the war and was “not a big fan” of Ukrainian President Zelensky.
Meloni’s visit is also seen as a move to facilitate a future Trump meeting with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Her direct diplomacy with Trump has sparked concern among some EU allies who fear it could fracture EU unity on trade.
Despite this, the European Commission said Meloni’s outreach was “very welcome” and coordinated with Brussels.
Meloni is expected back in Rome Friday to host US Vice President JD Vance. Trump’s tariffs remain a major concern for Italy, which sends about 10% of its exports to the US.