Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made a significant impression during her recent visit to the White House, specifically in the Oval Office, where she clearly demonstrated her alignment with former President Donald Trump. Her choice of words was intentional and pointed; in the opening moments of her remarks, she alluded to a shared “fight against the woke and DEI ideology that would like to erase our history.” This phrasing resonates deeply with Trump’s supporters, encapsulating themes of nationalism and a resistance to progressive ideals that have become a hallmark of Trump’s rhetoric. In essence, Meloni carefully positioned herself as a political ally, differentiating her administration from other European leaders who have recently engaged with Trump.
Known for her populist and conservative viewpoints, Meloni has garnered a reputation as a savvy political player. Her attendance at Trump’s inauguration and her friendships with key figures like Elon Musk highlight her alignment with the American political figure’s inner circle. Importantly, her strict anti-migration policies echo the tenets that helped reinvigorate Trump’s political narrative. Similar to other right-wing leaders, such as El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, she is adept at articulating her support for Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) agenda, stating her goal is to “make the West great again” and emphasizing the possibility of collaboration between their factions.
However, it remains an open question whether Trump reciprocates the same level of enthusiasm for a transatlantic partnership. Historically, Europe has not been a focal point in Trump’s priorities, particularly concerning trade relations and support regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which he has critiqued harshly. Despite Tump’s apparent indifference to European matters, having a leader in Rome who is outspoken against liberal societal tenets presents a strategic advantage for him, especially amid strained relations with traditional allies.
Leadership dynamics in Europe are further complicated by figures such as Ursula von der Leyen, the current President of the European Commission, who has struggled to engage Trump. In contrast, Meloni’s election, grounded in her far-right platform, allowed her to enter the Oval Office with a mandate that has proven beneficial in discussions. While officials from President Joe Biden’s administration praise Meloni for her firm stance on Ukraine, Trump views her as less encumbered by ties to Biden’s administration, potentially enhancing her standing in his eyes.
Before her visit, Trump aides affirmed their belief that Meloni could serve as a valuable intermediary to bridge relationships between the U.S. and Europe. Meloni herself recognized the stakes of her visit, confidently stating her understanding of her representation and the implications of her leadership. Publicly, the interaction between her and Trump unfolded favorably, as he lavished her with praise, highlighting how “everybody loves her and respects her.” This public endorsement may not fully reflect the complexities she faces within her home country, where critics have labeled her two-faced in her dealings with both Washington and Brussels.
Differentiating her from leaders like France’s Emmanuel Macron or Britain’s Keir Starmer, Meloni was not in Washington to lobby for a specific policy direction or debate issues over Ukraine financing. She strategically refrained from countering Trump’s negative remarks about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Moreover, while she asserted her claim regarding Putin’s role in the invasion of Ukraine, Meloni ensured that her comments were not officially translated for Trump.
Her ability to maintain close coordination with von der Leyen underscores Meloni’s dual-role strategy; however, the influence she wields is limited. Negotiations for subsidy relief from tariffs imposed by Trump would not only involve her but also require broader discussions with EU leadership. As her visit concluded, clarity remained elusive regarding Trump’s expectations for future collaborations, further underscoring the complexities of U.S.-EU trade relations.
In spite of the general lack of clarity surrounding trade agreements, Trump expressed optimism about the potential for favorable outcomes, indicating “there’ll be a trade deal, 100%,” which may serve as reassurance against trade tensions. But Meloni’s Italy does not fully embody Trump’s economic objectives; she presides over a nation with a significant trade surplus and defense spending well below NATO benchmarks, presenting a paradoxical challenge for any policymaking intent. Nevertheless, throughout their interaction, Trump focused on elevating Meloni’s role, describing her rise as one that has taken Europe by storm, even expressing a willingness to visit Rome for further discussions with other European leaders, signifying a potential new chapter in U.S.-European relations.