Trump Declares ‘100%’ Confidence in EU Tariff Deal Amid Meloni’s Italy Visit
In a significant diplomatic moment, US President Donald Trump expressed his confidence in achieving a tariffs deal with the European Union, stating he would “100 percent” reach an agreement. During a visit from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who positioned herself as a vital ally in de-escalating Trump’s ongoing trade war, both leaders highlighted their common ground, particularly on immigration and shared conservative values.
Meloni served as the lone European leader at Trump’s inauguration, living up to that connection by emphasizing that her objective is to “make the West great again.” She even invited Trump to Rome, suggesting future meetings with European leaders. While Trump assured Meloni of his willingness to negotiate, he remarked that he was “in no rush,” reflecting the complexities that lie ahead in altering his tariff strategy.
As Meloni champions Ukraine against Russia’s aggression, Trump surprisingly downplayed his support for Ukrainian President Zelensky, stating he was “not a big fan” but not blaming Zelensky for the conflict. This divergence could pose challenges for EU unity, as Meloni’s outreach may disrupt collective negotiations.
With tariffs looming that could significantly affect Italy, the world’s fourth-largest exporter, the stakes of this diplomatic engagement are high. Meloni’s efforts could mean pivotal shifts in international trade, testing both transatlantic relations and the EU’s cohesive strategy.