President Trump met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the White House on Thursday, expressing optimism about a potential trade deal with Europe. This meeting comes as the U.S. is currently in a 90-day pause on steep global tariffs, which have been reduced to 10 percent for most countries, down from 20 percent or more.
During their discussion, Trump confidently stated, "There’ll be a trade deal 100%," emphasizing his belief that fair agreements can be reached. He reassured Meloni that there is no rush to finalize the deal, suggesting that negotiations with Europe and other partners would go smoothly.
A senior administration official shared insights about Trump’s concerns over the significant trade deficit the U.S. has with EU countries, including Italy. This official noted that Trump aims to "level the plane" in trade relations, highlighting his consistent focus on addressing trade imbalances.
Meloni, representing the European Union, is the first European leader to visit Trump at the White House since the announcement of a delayed 20% tariff on EU exports. When asked about the reliability of the U.S. as a trading partner, she affirmed her belief in the unity of the West and the importance of dialogue to foster mutual growth.
The meeting also touched on NATO spending, with Trump reiterating his expectation that NATO allies should allocate 2% of their GDP to defense. Italy currently spends 1.49% but has plans to increase that figure. Trump is keen to hear how Meloni intends to meet this benchmark, which has been a topic of discussion for many years.
Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to strengthen trade relations and defense commitments between the U.S. and Italy, as both leaders aim to navigate the complexities of international relations in a changing global landscape.