On April 17 local time, Italian Prime Minister Meloni met with US President Trump in the Oval Office of the White House and announced that Trump had accepted an invitation for an official visit to Rome in the near future, also considering meetings with EU officials. This statement is seen as a potential opportunity for easing US-EU relations.
Meloni's visit coincides with ongoing tensions in US-European trade relations. Since Trump began his second term, he has repeatedly threatened increased tariffs on the EU. In early April, he announced a 20% "reciprocal tariff" on all imports from the EU. Although he later announced a postponement and set the rate at 10% with a 90-day negotiation window, this move still provoked a strong EU backlash.
Meloni's US visit represents not only Italy but also carries the EU's coordination demands. She hopes to clarify US intentions through direct talks with Trump and push for an agreement to avoid an escalation in the trade war. As EU Commission President von der Leyen has not yet formally met with Trump, Meloni, leveraging her good personal relations with Trump and her influence within the EU, acts as a crucial bridge in this diplomatic interaction.
Trump has openly praised Meloni, calling her a "very special person" and commending her for "sweeping through Europe." At his inauguration in January, Meloni was the only EU leader invited. The two share many common positions on immigration, traditional values, etc., and the media has dubbed her as "Trump’s whisperer."
Although some European politicians worry Meloni may focus more on Italy's own interests rather than the EU's overall stance, she responded by saying she cannot represent the EU to reach an agreement but is willing to be a "key interlocutor" between Trump and European countries.
In the talks, Meloni not only focused on trade issues but also stated that both sides discussed cooperation prospects in defense, space, and energy. She revealed that Italy plans to increase LNG imports and will invest billions of dollars in the US through Italian companies in the coming years.
Regarding the future of US-EU relations, Trump stated that he "100% believes" the US and the EU will reach a trade agreement, but he also stressed he is "not in a hurry" to complete the negotiations. Despite the cautious statements, this interaction with Meloni brings a glimpse of easing to the tense transatlantic economic and trade relationship.
