Italy’s Meloni to Meet Trump, Aims to Ease EU-US Tensions

17 Apr at 8:35 am

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Italy’s Meloni to Meet Trump, Aims to Ease EU-US Tensions/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni meets President Trump at the White House to navigate escalating EU-U.S. trade tensions. As the first European leader to meet with Trump since his 20% tariff proposal, Meloni hopes to gain clarity on U.S. intentions. She faces the delicate task of representing both Italian interests and the broader European Union agenda.

President Donald Trump waits to greet El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele at the White House, Monday, April 14, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Meloni’s Washington Visit – Quick Looks

Meloni meets Trump amid a 90-day pause on proposed 20% U.S. tariffs on EU goods.
The Italian PM is unofficially representing broader European interests.
She’s coordinated closely with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
EU is advocating for a zero-for-zero tariff policy; Trump insists on a 10% baseline.
Italy has a $43 billion trade surplus with the U.S., centered on food, wine, and fashion.
Meloni and Trump are aligned ideologically but diverge on Ukraine policy.
She aims to defend free trade, Italy’s economy, and EU solidarity.
Meeting to include discussion of NATO military spending and defense contributions.
Italian defense spending remains below NATO’s 2% GDP target.
Experts say her biggest gain could be understanding Trump’s long-term strategy.

Meloni’s High-Stakes Washington Visit: Bridging EU-US Trade Divide With Trump

Milan (AP) – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is stepping into the role of an unofficial EU ambassador this week, becoming the first European leader to meet face-to-face with U.S. President Donald Trump since he proposed sweeping tariffs on European goods earlier this month—only to suspend them days later.

Meloni’s visit to the White House on Thursday is not just about Italy—it’s about Europe. She arrives at a moment of acute tension between Washington and Brussels, with a trade war looming and transatlantic ties stretched thin.

“Most certainly, I am well aware of what I represent, and what I am defending,” Meloni said in Rome ahead of the trip.

Trade and Tariffs at the Forefront

President Trump’s April 2 announcement of 20% tariffs on European exports shocked global markets. Though he paused the implementation for 90 days, the uncertainty lingers. Trump’s insistence on a minimum 10% tariff on foreign imports has stalled discussions with the EU, which is instead proposing a zero-for-zero tariff deal.

While Meloni is not attending the meeting in a formal negotiating capacity, her close coordination with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signals her dual role: representing Italy’s interests while advocating for broader European economic stability.

“It is a very delicate mission,” said Fabian Zuleeg, chief economist at the European Policy Center. “Trump prefers informal negotiations, and Meloni must be prepared to engage directly.”

Italy’s Trade Surplus and What’s at Stake

Italy maintains a €40 billion trade surplus with the U.S.—the largest with any single country—thanks to its exports of sparkling wine, hard cheeses, cured meats, and luxury fashion. These industries, dominated by small and medium-sized businesses, are especially sensitive to U.S. tariffs.

“I think she will focus on the very strong economic and trade relations that Italy has with the United States,” said Antonio Villafranca, vice president of Milan’s ISPI think tank. “Italy could even consider importing more U.S. natural gas as a gesture of goodwill.”

Italy’s economy is already under pressure. Analysts have halved the nation’s growth forecast for 2025 from 1% to 0.5%, citing the uncertainty surrounding global tariffs and export markets.

Ideological Similarities, Strategic Differences

Both Trump and Meloni lead nationalist, right-leaning governments, and share similar views on immigration, traditional values, and skepticism of multilateral organizations. Yet, a key point of divergence is their stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Meloni has remained a vocal supporter of Ukraine, maintaining strong ties with Kyiv and the EU’s pro-Ukraine position, even as Trump’s relationship with Ukrainian leadership has grown strained.

“She has been very cautious,” said Wolfango Piccoli, analyst at the Teneo consultancy. “That’s what’s needed when you’re dealing with someone like Trump, who changes position frequently.”

NATO Commitments in the Spotlight

Another likely agenda item is NATO military spending, a consistent Trump pressure point. While Trump continues to urge allies to meet the 2% of GDP target, Italy lags behind at 1.49%, placing it among the lowest spenders in Europe.

Meloni is expected to outline her government’s plans to ramp up defense investment, but few anticipate a definitive commitment during this trip.

A Photo Op with Real Stakes

Experts are managing expectations, warning that the real outcome may not be measured in concessions but in clarity.

“If she can return home and explain how Washington views trade, defense, and Ukraine going forward, that’s a win,” said Piccoli. “You don’t go into these meetings expecting to rewrite policy, but you go to build understanding.”

Meloni’s challenge is to reaffirm the importance of the transatlantic relationship while defending EU economic priorities—a balancing act that will test her diplomatic skill and international credibility.