Trump Tells Meloni He’s in ‘No Rush’ to End Tariffs During Key White House Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday he is in “no rush” to finalize trade deals, despite growing international concern over the economic effects of his aggressive tariff policies. During a White House meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Trump acknowledged the possibility of securing a trade agreement with the European Union but emphasized he would take his time.

“We’re in no rush,” Trump said. “It would happen at a certain point,” suggesting that the tariff revenues have reduced the urgency. He added that making a deal with the EU would be “easy,” but refrained from providing a timeline.

Meloni Steps In as EU’s Informal Messenger

Meloni’s visit marks the first face-to-face engagement between Trump and a European leader since the U.S. imposed, and later partially paused, 20% tariffs on EU exports. While Meloni visited Washington in her capacity as Italy’s prime minister, her discussions were closely coordinated with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

“We know we are in a difficult moment,” Meloni said before her visit. “Most certainly, I am well aware of what I represent, and what I am defending.”

A Commission spokeswoman confirmed that Meloni’s outreach was “closely coordinated” with Brussels, as Europe seeks clarity on Trump’s tariff intentions. The EU continues to push for a “zero-for-zero” tariff deal to preserve what it calls the world’s most important trade relationship—valued at €1.6 trillion ($1.8 trillion) annually.

U.S.-EU Talks Continue as Tariff Pause Opens Narrow Window

Trump’s administration has initiated dialogue with European officials, including meetings between Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič. While discussions aim at eliminating tariffs, Šefčovič stated on X that progress “requires a significant joint effort on both sides.”

Experts suggest that Meloni’s primary task is to better understand Trump’s evolving stance rather than secure immediate concessions. “It is a very delicate mission,” said Fabian Zuleeg of the European Policy Center. “Trump likes informal exchanges, which in a sense are negotiations.”

Shared Views, Strategic Differences

Ideologically, Meloni and Trump align on key issues such as immigration, traditional values, and skepticism toward multilateral bodies. However, they diverge on Ukraine—Meloni strongly backs Kyiv, while Trump remains non-committal and has criticized NATO allies’ defense spending.

Trump is expected to pressure Meloni to increase Italy’s defense contributions, which currently stand at 1.49% of GDP—below NATO’s 2% target. Despite differences, Trump sees Meloni as a vital European partner capable of helping bridge gaps with the EU.

Italy Seeks to Safeguard Trade Ties with U.S.

Italy currently enjoys a €40 billion ($45 billion) trade surplus with the U.S., driven by exports of luxury goods, food, and energy. These sectors are crucial to Italy’s economy and heavily supported by Meloni’s political base.

Antonio Villafranca of the ISPI think tank noted, “She will focus on the very strong economic and trade relations that Italy has with the United States.”

Meloni’s visit comes amid uncertainty surrounding Trump’s global trade agenda, including a recent increase in tariffs on China and ongoing talks with Japan. Though significant breakthroughs are unlikely, analysts say securing a clear direction from Washington would be a meaningful outcome for Italy and the EU.

“If she can return with insights into how Washington wants to shape future ties on trade, defense, and Ukraine, that would be a huge win,” said Wolfango Piccoli of Teneo consultancy.