Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is walking a tightrope as she prepares for a critical meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump. While finding common ground with Trump may appear straightforward—especially by echoing his rhetoric on trade—Meloni faces the more complex challenge of defending Italy’s economic interests amid growing tension over American tariffs.
Meloni’s strategy seems to involve aligning with Trump’s vision for U.S.-Europe trade. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani recently emphasized that Italy should increase imports from the U.S., particularly in energy, and boost Italian investments in American markets. This narrative closely mirrors Trump’s demand for the European Union to purchase more American gas in exchange for tariff relief.
Still, Meloni is aiming higher than simply surviving the meeting without diplomatic fallout—unlike Ireland’s Prime Minister Michael Martin, whose recent White House visit was largely seen as a cautious effort to avoid controversy.
What’s at stake for Meloni is significant. She has already acknowledged that Trump’s proposed tariffs could hurt Italy’s economy and has promised to support Italian businesses impacted by them. With nearly two-thirds of Italians holding an unfavorable view of Trump, her political capital at home will depend on whether she can shield Italy from these potential economic setbacks.
Even strong personal relationships with Trump have offered no guarantees. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who also enjoys a rapport with Trump, recently failed to secure a reduction in new U.S. tariffs on Israeli goods. Instead, he left Washington pledging to eliminate Israel’s trade deficit with the U.S.—receiving nothing tangible in return.
Meloni will be hoping her visit ends differently. But in Trump’s world, cordiality doesn’t always translate into concessions.
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