Meloni's Balancing Act in Trump Meeting

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday in her first official bilateral visit to Washington, arriving at a critical juncture in transatlantic relations. With Trump threatening tariffs on EU goods, her trip could prove pivotal in averting a full-blown trade war.

Though Trump has temporarily paused some planned measures, analysts question whether Meloni can secure meaningful concessions.

"The possibility of obtaining concessions is limited," said Raffaele Marchetti, Professor of International Relations at Rome’s Luiss University. "This could pose a problem, as Europeans will demand feedback on the visit."

Key topics on the agenda include trade, industrial policy, and defense. Meloni is expected to pledge increased defense spending—a move that would benefit U.S. manufacturers but could clash with EU efforts to bolster its own defense industry.

Walking a Tightrope Between Rome, Brussels, and Washington

Meloni, who backs the EU’s proposed "zero-for-zero" tariff deal with the U.S., will likely emphasize Italy’s strong bilateral ties with Washington. The U.S. is Italy’s largest non-EU trading partner, accounting for roughly 10% of its exports—worth €67 billion annually.

Yet her stance also reflects Italy’s domestic political dynamics. To consolidate her leadership, she must balance the competing visions of her two deputy prime ministers: Matteo Salvini, who prioritizes Italian interests, and Antonio Tajani, a staunch pro-European.

"True leadership means listening to all partners and leveraging every tool to foster dialogue," said Antonio Giordano, an MP from Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party. "Generally, Italian and European interests align—though Europe is more complex. But it trusts Giorgia Meloni."

A Delicate Diplomatic Mission

Meloni is uniquely positioned among European leaders to engage with Trump, given their ideological alignment and mutual praise. Trump has called her a "fantastic woman" who has "taken Europe by storm," while Meloni has avoided direct criticism of his policies—aside from calling his recent tariffs "absolutely wrong."

Still, her closeness to Trump’s administration has raised concerns in Europe. French Industry Minister Marc Ferracci recently warned against "bilateral talks," accusing Trump of seeking to divide the EU. The remarks drew a sharp rebuke from Rome before being downplayed by Paris.

The European Commission has expressed confidence in Meloni, emphasizing that trade negotiations remain an EU competency. Italian officials insist she will advocate for a unified European stance rather than unilateral deals.

Behind closed doors, Meloni may also signal Europe’s reluctance to deepen ties with China—a potential incentive for Trump. "There will likely be some anti-China discourse," said Riccardo Alcaro of the Italian Institute for International Affairs.

Domestic Reactions: Praise and Skepticism

At home, allies have framed the trip as a test of Meloni’s statesmanship. "This meeting shows her courage and stature," said FdI MP Augusta Montarulli, though others warned of "potential pitfalls."

Opposition leaders, however, remain wary. "I fear she’ll return waving Trump’s flag, not Italy’s or Europe’s," said Democratic Party lawmaker Peppe Provenzano.

Ahead of her departure, Meloni struck a cautious tone. Addressing Italian business leaders—those most vulnerable to U.S. tariffs—she quipped: "As you can imagine, I’m feeling no pressure at all."