Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is travelling to the United States this week for a closely watched meeting with President Donald Trump, navigating a delicate balance between defending EU trade unity and maintaining her warm ties with the White House.
The visit comes just weeks after Trump introduced—then paused—20% tariffs on EU imports, a move that sent shockwaves through European capitals. Meloni is now the first European leader to visit Washington since the tariffs were announced, and she is expected to push for a zero-for-zero trade deal that would benefit all 27 EU member states.
Italy's Economic Stakes
The US is Italy’s third-largest non-EU trading partner, with around €67 billion in exports annually—about 10% of its total. The tariff threat has already prompted Rome to halve its economic growth forecast, underscoring the potential impact of rising trade tensions.
“We know this is a difficult time,” Meloni acknowledged before her departure. “I am aware of what I represent and of what I am defending.”
Her challenge will be walking a fine diplomatic line: advocating for EU interests while preserving her strong rapport with Trump.
A Unique Relationship
Trump and Meloni have long enjoyed mutual admiration. The former president once called her a “fantastic woman”, and Meloni has echoed Trump’s rhetoric in speeches, denouncing “globalist elites”, “mass migration”, and “woke ideology.” She was the only European leader to attend Trump's inauguration earlier this year and has largely avoided public criticism of his administration.
This ideological closeness has led to speculation that Meloni might prioritize Italy’s interests over EU consensus. But her government has been quick to stress that she’s not negotiating alone.
“She isn’t going to Washington to negotiate against Europe,” said Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. “She’s going to promote a unified European position.”
EU Unity Under Scrutiny
The European Commission has voiced support for Meloni’s outreach, but also clarified that trade negotiations are strictly an EU competency. One Commission spokesperson noted the trip is being “closely coordinated” with Brussels.
Still, some European leaders have expressed unease. French Industry Minister Marc Ferracci warned against bilateral talks, accusing Trump of trying to "divide Europeans"—a comment that sparked diplomatic irritation in Rome.
“Meloni has always said Europe shouldn’t provoke the US, but should adapt,” said Riccardo Alcaro, of the Italian Institute for International Affairs. “Her instinct is to avoid confrontation.”
Possible Talking Points Behind Closed Doors
Beyond tariffs, Meloni is expected to emphasize Europe’s commitment to buying more American liquified natural gas (LNG) and increasing defence spending—a nod to Trump’s long-standing demands for greater transatlantic burden-sharing.
In quieter moments, she may also assure Trump of Europe’s cooling relationship with China.
“I don’t know how public this will be,” said Alcaro, “but I expect some anti-China messaging as an incentive for the US.”
Mixed Reception at Home
In Italy, reactions to the trip have been polarized. Pro-government MPs hailed Meloni’s diplomatic stature, while opposition figures questioned her closeness to Trump.
“She’ll come back waving the Trump flag rather than Italy’s or Europe’s,” warned Peppe Provenzano of the centre-left Democratic Party (PD).
At a business event in Rome on the eve of her departure, Meloni tried to lighten the mood, joking to a room full of entrepreneurs:
“As you can imagine, I’m feeling no pressure at all.”
The visit comes just weeks after Trump introduced—then paused—20% tariffs on EU imports, a move that sent shockwaves through European capitals. Meloni is now the first European leader to visit Washington since the tariffs were announced, and she is expected to push for a zero-for-zero trade deal that would benefit all 27 EU member states.
Italy's Economic Stakes
The US is Italy’s third-largest non-EU trading partner, with around €67 billion in exports annually—about 10% of its total. The tariff threat has already prompted Rome to halve its economic growth forecast, underscoring the potential impact of rising trade tensions.
“We know this is a difficult time,” Meloni acknowledged before her departure. “I am aware of what I represent and of what I am defending.”
Her challenge will be walking a fine diplomatic line: advocating for EU interests while preserving her strong rapport with Trump.
A Unique Relationship
Trump and Meloni have long enjoyed mutual admiration. The former president once called her a “fantastic woman”, and Meloni has echoed Trump’s rhetoric in speeches, denouncing “globalist elites”, “mass migration”, and “woke ideology.” She was the only European leader to attend Trump's inauguration earlier this year and has largely avoided public criticism of his administration.
This ideological closeness has led to speculation that Meloni might prioritize Italy’s interests over EU consensus. But her government has been quick to stress that she’s not negotiating alone.
“She isn’t going to Washington to negotiate against Europe,” said Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. “She’s going to promote a unified European position.”
EU Unity Under Scrutiny
The European Commission has voiced support for Meloni’s outreach, but also clarified that trade negotiations are strictly an EU competency. One Commission spokesperson noted the trip is being “closely coordinated” with Brussels.
Still, some European leaders have expressed unease. French Industry Minister Marc Ferracci warned against bilateral talks, accusing Trump of trying to "divide Europeans"—a comment that sparked diplomatic irritation in Rome.
“Meloni has always said Europe shouldn’t provoke the US, but should adapt,” said Riccardo Alcaro, of the Italian Institute for International Affairs. “Her instinct is to avoid confrontation.”
Possible Talking Points Behind Closed Doors
Beyond tariffs, Meloni is expected to emphasize Europe’s commitment to buying more American liquified natural gas (LNG) and increasing defence spending—a nod to Trump’s long-standing demands for greater transatlantic burden-sharing.
In quieter moments, she may also assure Trump of Europe’s cooling relationship with China.
“I don’t know how public this will be,” said Alcaro, “but I expect some anti-China messaging as an incentive for the US.”
Mixed Reception at Home
In Italy, reactions to the trip have been polarized. Pro-government MPs hailed Meloni’s diplomatic stature, while opposition figures questioned her closeness to Trump.
“She’ll come back waving the Trump flag rather than Italy’s or Europe’s,” warned Peppe Provenzano of the centre-left Democratic Party (PD).
At a business event in Rome on the eve of her departure, Meloni tried to lighten the mood, joking to a room full of entrepreneurs:
“As you can imagine, I’m feeling no pressure at all.”
