Giorgia Meloni Meets Trump Amid EU Trade Tensions

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited the White House for a crucial meeting with President Donald Trump, amid heightened tensions over U.S. tariffs on European Union exports. European leaders hope Meloni, who has built a strong personal rapport with Trump, can act as an effective mediator to prevent the imposition of steep new tariffs that could harm European economies. The discussions focused on resolving the ongoing trans-Atlantic trade dispute, with both sides recently agreeing to a temporary suspension of certain tariffs to facilitate negotiations. Meloni is seen as one of Trump's favored European leaders, positioning herself as a bridge between Washington and the EU, while also balancing her ideological alignment with Trump against her obligations to European allies. The meeting did not include a joint press conference, but both leaders were expected to address selected journalists during an Oval Office session. The visit underscored the EU's concern about U.S. trade policies and highlighted Meloni's unique diplomatic role at a time of strained trans-Atlantic relations.