As a European leader, Meloni has the opportunity to open the way for in-depth and constructive U.S.–EU trade talks
WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump welcomed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to the White House on Thursday, with both leaders signaling confidence that a trade deal will emerge with the European Union.
Trump said that he has “very little problem making a deal with Europe, or anybody else, because we have something that everybody wants.”
He dismissed concerns about China’s escalation of tariffs with the United States and attempts to win over trade partners in the ongoing trade dispute.
“Nobody can compete with us, nobody,” Trump said. “I think we’re going to make a very good deal with China.”
Meloni is expected to play a significant role in calming trade tensions between the United States and the European Union.
“I’m sure we can make a deal, and I’m here to help on that,” she told reporters before the two leaders entered the Oval Office for further discussions.
The president praised the Italian prime minister, saying, “She’s doing a fantastic job in Italy. We’re very proud of her.”
Trump is expected to reiterate his expectation that Italy and all other EU countries do their part to be good trade partners with the United States, a White House official told reporters during a call on Thursday, previewing the meeting.
“This visit is not just based on the strong bilateral relationship between United States and Italy with our shared allies interest, but also on Meloni’s role as a key force in Europe and a voice that largely sees eye to eye with the president on a lot of issues like immigration and the war in Ukraine,” the official said.
“I think she’s increasingly playing that role in the European Union. I think a lot of other states are grateful for her leadership. …We certainly see her as a valuable interlocutor with the DC.”
In 2024, the United States had a trade deficit of $235.6 billion with the European bloc, a 13 percent increase over the previous year.
By Emel Akan and Travis Gillmore
