Trump Hosts Italy PM Meloni, Discusses Trade and China

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, where both leaders expressed optimism about reaching a new EU-U.S. trade deal, despite recent tariffs imposed by the U.S. Trump projected confidence in his ability to negotiate a favorable agreement with both the EU and China, while Meloni affirmed the U.S. remains a reliable partner. Meloni announced that Trump accepted her invitation for an official visit to Rome in the near future, signaling deepening ties. Observers note Meloni’s growing role as a key interlocutor between the U.S. and the EU, raising both hopes and concerns among European leaders that Italy may prioritize national interests in future negotiations. The special rapport between Trump and Meloni has drawn attention in Europe, with some viewing their close relationship as potentially affecting the broader EU stance on trade and defense issues. Discussions between the two leaders also touched on defense spending, U.S. energy exports, and cooperation in emerging technologies.