Italy’s Meloni Set to Navigate Trump’s Tariff Threats in Key White House Meeting”Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to test her diplomatic skills when she meets U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday. She’ll be the first European leader to meet with Trump since his recent announcement and suspension of a 20% tariff on European exports.
The meeting comes at a crucial time in the ongoing trade war, as Meloni, Italy’s leader, is also seen as a representative for the European Union. She’s been in close contact with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen ahead of the talks, ensuring coordination on this critical mission.
Meloni is aware of the stakes, recognizing the importance of the EU-U.S. trade relationship, which is worth around 1.6 trillion euros. While the EU is pushing for a tariff-free deal, Trump has insisted on a baseline 10% tariff for all foreign imports, even temporarily pausing a further increase. Experts suggest Meloni’s role isn’t about negotiating concessions but rather gaining clarity on Trump’s intentions.
Though ideologically aligned with Trump on issues like immigration and traditional values, Meloni has firmly supported Ukraine, setting her apart from the U.S. leader. She’s been cautious in her approach to avoid further strain on the transatlantic relationship, particularly as Trump’s shifts in policy have created tensions.
Meloni is expected to focus on Italy’s strong economic ties with the U.S., including trade in luxury goods, wine, and food. She might also discuss NATO spending, as Italy’s defense budget is lower than many European allies.
However, experts caution against high expectations. The meeting is more about maintaining dialogue and understanding Washington’s future stance on trade, defense, and Ukraine.
Italy’s Meloni Set to Navigate Trump’s Tariff Threats in Key White House Meeting”
