Title: Ciao, Donald: Can Meloni Change Trump’s Mind on Tariffs?
As global eyes shift toward the possibility of Donald Trump’s return to the White House in 2024, attention in Europe is focusing on one unlikely figure to bridge transatlantic divides: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
In this episode of the Berlin Playbook Podcast, we explore why hopes in Brussels rest on Meloni to protect the fragile EU-U.S. trade relationship, especially when it comes to tariffs. With Trump’s first term marked by protectionist trade measures and tough rhetoric toward the European Union, there is growing concern that a second Trump administration could revive the transatlantic trade wars.
Meloni has carefully cultivated a direct line to Trump-friendly politicians in the U.S., including figures like senator JD Vance. The Italian leader walks a precarious path: aligning with right-wing allies while trying to preserve critical European interests. As one of the few European conservatives to have maintained cordial relations with both the Biden administration and the MAGA movement, she may be uniquely positioned to influence Trump — if anyone in Europe can.
Other highlights from the episode include:
– Germany’s parliamentary leadership rejecting a move from the far-right AfD, signaling continuing political tension at home.
– Growing nervousness in the Bundestag about the possible implications of a Trump comeback.
– How European policymakers are preparing for a transatlantic reset — with or without Meloni at the helm.
Join host Gordon Repinski and POLITICO’s Berlin and Brussels correspondents as they break down the week’s major political developments and what they mean for Europe’s future relationship with the United States.
Listen now on all major podcast platforms or visit politico.eu for more.
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