Meloni in Washington: agreement with Trump on tariffs, NATO, and energy cooperation
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was welcomed today at the White House by U.S. President Donald Trump, in what marked the first official meeting between the Republican leader and a European head of government since the announcement—and subsequent suspension—of 20% tariffs on European exports. The meeting, held in a cordial and pragmatic atmosphere, confirmed a shared willingness to strengthen transatlantic relations across key areas: trade, defense, energy, migration, and technological cooperation.
“I believe we need to speak frankly and meet halfway,”
Meloni said at the start of the bilateral meeting in the Oval Office. The phrase, likely agreed upon during prior diplomatic discussions, reflects the Italian Prime Minister’s approach in representing her country at this crucial geopolitical juncture: defending national interests while contributing to a structured dialogue between Washington and Brussels.
Toward a “zero tariffs” area between the United States and Europe
Trade was at the center of today’s discussions. Meloni proposed establishing a broad free trade area between the EU and the U.S., based on the principle of “zero tariffs,” emphasizing how Italian products create value in the countries that import them. Trump, in turn, reiterated his intention to strike a deal with the EU, stating he is “very confident” about a positive outcome.
The American openness appears to stem from the temporary suspension, announced on April 9, of the new tariff measures—a 90-day window meant to facilitate negotiations. Meloni also noted that Italian businesses are prepared to invest up to €10 billion in the United States, underlining a long-term industrial cooperation strategy.
Defense and NATO: Italy commits to the 2% GDP target
Defense spending was another key topic. Meloni announced that Italy will increase its defense budget to 2% of GDP, in line with NATO requirements. The move, long awaited by Washington, was welcomed by Trump: “It’s never enough,” he commented, praising the Italian leader as “a great Prime Minister and an exceptional person.”
Strategically, the leaders also discussed Italy’s role in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, as well as the need to strengthen cooperation in space defense, biotech, and artificial intelligence.
Energy, migration, and cultural convergence
Energy cooperation and irregular migration were also addressed. Trump confirmed the U.S. will boost its exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe, and Italy expressed interest in actively participating in this strategy. Combating synthetic drug trafficking and transnational crime was also identified as a shared priority.
On a more ideological note, both leaders referred to the need to defend Western civilization’s values against what Meloni called “disruptive ideological trends,” a veiled critique of the so-called woke movement. This cultural alignment further solidified the Rome-Washington axis.
Trump accepts invitation to visit Italy. Next steps: EU and NATO
At the conclusion of the meeting, Meloni officially invited Donald Trump to visit Italy, an invitation he gladly accepted. The Prime Minister reiterated her intention to involve the European Union in a joint summit to further discuss future commercial and strategic balances.
At the upcoming NATO summit in Brussels, Italy will officially announce that it has met the 2% defense spending target. Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance is scheduled to visit Rome, where he will remain through April 20 to continue bilateral discussions.
With this visit, the Italian Prime Minister strengthens her international profile and positions herself as a key intermediary between the United States and Europe at a time of sweeping shifts in the global economic and geopolitical landscape.
Meloni in Washington: agreement with Trump on tariffs, NATO, and energy cooperation, Trump accepts invitation to visit Italy. Next steps: EU and NATO