Trump: ‘No Rush’ to End Tariffs, Meloni Invites Trump to Visit Italy/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump signaled he’s in “no rush” to strike trade deals as he met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who visited the White House on Thursday as the first European leader to do so since Trump imposed new tariffs on the EU. Meloni came seeking clarity on Trump’s trade agenda and to reinforce the EU-U.S. relationship amid widening geopolitical and economic rifts. Trump emphasized the financial benefit of tariffs, while Meloni highlighted the need to protect the transatlantic alliance.
Trump-Meloni Talks – Quick Look
- Trump emphasized he’s in “no rush” to finalize trade deals amid a 90-day tariff pause.
- Meloni becomes first EU leader to meet Trump since 20% tariffs on EU exports were announced.
- The Italian premier coordinated with EU Commission leaders before the White House visit.
- Trump maintains his preference for a 10% baseline tariff on all foreign imports.
- Meloni aims to clarify U.S. goals on trade and defense while defending EU economic interests.
- Talks also covered NATO spending and Italy’s position on Ukraine aid and reconstruction.
- Italy holds a $45 billion trade surplus with the U.S., largely from food, fashion, and machinery.
- Trump has raised tariffs on China to 145% and maintains others on allies like Canada and Mexico.
- Experts say Meloni’s real success may be symbolic—keeping diplomatic dialogue open.
Trump, Meloni Face Off Over Tariffs and Transatlantic Trade in High-Stakes Washington Meeting
Deep Looks
WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump said Thursday he sees “no rush” to finalize new trade agreements, emphasizing the revenue tariffs are generating as he hosted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for the first face-to-face talks between his administration and a European Union leader since new tariffs were announced on European goods.
“We’re in no rush,” Trump told reporters, dismissing any urgency in the ongoing negotiations during a 90-day pause in his proposed 20% tariffs on EU exports.
Despite White House statements suggesting deals could be made during the tariff reprieve, Trump made clear that any progress will happen “at a certain point,” hinting that economic leverage remains central to his strategy.
Meloni says Trump will visit Italy
The Italian premier said in the Oval Office that Trump has accepted an invitation for an official trip to her country. No date was disclosed. Vice President JD Vance is leaving Friday for his own visit to Rome.
She flattered the U.S. leader in their meeting, saying “the goal for me is to make the West great again,” echoing Trump’s campaign slogan. Meloni said she shares his fight against “woke” ideology.
Trump also praised his Italian counterpart. “She has taken Europe by storm,” he said.
Trump responds to the shooting at Florida State University
The president opened his Oval Office meeting with the Italian premier with comments on the shooting.
Trump said he’d been “fully briefed.”
“It’s a horrible thing. It’s horrible that things like this takes place,” he said.
Meloni Steps In as Bridge Between EU and Trump Administration
Meloni’s visit was framed as more than a bilateral meeting. As Italy’s leader, she also represented the broader European Union, arriving in Washington with backing from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, with whom she coordinated closely.
“Most certainly, I am well aware of what I represent, and what I am defending,” Meloni said in Rome earlier this week.
The EU has characterized its trade relationship with the United States as “the most important in the world,” with over $1.8 trillion in annual exchange. Brussels hopes to eliminate trade barriers through a zero-for-zero tariff strategy—but the Trump administration has so far held firm on a 10% minimum import tariff across the board.
EU Engages Washington, But Clarity Remains Elusive
Šefčovič met this week in Washington with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, noting on social media that “a significant joint effort on both sides” would be required to make progress.
Still, Trump’s tone remains unbending. The White House’s posture is that tariffs are not just economic policy, but leverage, and Meloni’s real role may be to gather insight into the administration’s long-term direction.
“This is a very delicate mission,” said Fabian Zuleeg, chief economist at the European Policy Center in Brussels. “She’s not officially negotiating, but informal meetings with Trump often carry outsized weight.”
Ideological Alignment, Strategic Differences
Trump and Meloni are closely aligned ideologically on immigration, family values, and criticism of multilateral institutions. However, sharp differences exist in foreign policy—most notably over Ukraine.
Meloni has been one of Europe’s strongest supporters of Ukraine following Russia’s 2022 invasion, in contrast to Trump’s reluctance to continue robust U.S. aid. During Thursday’s meeting, Trump was expected to raise Italy’s lagging NATO defense spending, which stood at 1.49% of GDP in 2024, below the alliance’s 2% target.
“She has been cautious, which is wise when dealing with a counterpart whose stance shifts rapidly,” said Wolfango Piccoli of Teneo consultancy.
Italy’s Trade Interests on the Line
Italy has a €40 billion ($45 billion) trade surplus with the U.S.—its largest with any nation—thanks to a strong export market of luxury goods, wine, specialty foods, and machinery. Many of the companies behind these exports are small-to-medium-sized enterprises, which form Meloni’s core political base.
“She will focus on strengthening Italy’s already robust trade and energy ties with the U.S.,” said Antonio Villafranca of ISPI think tank in Milan. “There’s also discussion of increasing gas imports from the U.S.”
Meloni’s visit is set against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, with Italy’s 2025 growth forecast recently slashed from 1% to 0.5% due to the escalating tariff disputes.
Wider Trade War Still Simmering
While Meloni seeks clarity, Trump continues to widen his global tariff regime. The administration has already raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, while maintaining separate import duties on steel, aluminum, autos, and products from Canada, Mexico, and Japan.
On Wednesday, Trump met with Japan’s trade envoy Ryosei Akazawa, touting on social media that “Big progress!” had been made, though without offering specifics. Meanwhile, China is racing to secure its own trade agreements, attempting to undermine Trump’s claim that his tariffs benefit U.S. industry.
Modest Goals, Symbolic Wins
Analysts agree that Meloni is unlikely to return home with dramatic wins, but the importance of the visit lies in maintaining diplomatic ties and securing a clearer picture of Trump’s evolving international strategy.
“The best strategy here is low expectations,” said Piccoli. “She gets the meeting, the photo-op, and ideally some insight into Washington’s outlook on trade, defense, and Ukraine—that alone would be a success.”
Meloni, who was the only EU leader to attend Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration, has been measured in her rhetoric even as other European leaders grow more vocal in their criticism of Trump’s economic and foreign policy moves.
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