U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to the White House, discussing trade relations and international cooperation
Trump expressed confidence in reaching a trade agreement with the European Union, stating that a deal is "100% possible" and emphasizing the mutual benefits of such an accord
While optimistic, Trump highlighted the importance of fairness in any potential deal and indicated there's no immediate rush to finalize agreements, aiming for terms favorable to the U.S
Prime Minister Meloni positioned herself as a mediator between the U.S. and the EU, advocating for strengthened transatlantic ties and cooperation on global challenges
The leaders addressed concerns over tariffs and trade barriers, with both sides expressing a desire to resolve issues that have strained U.S.-EU economic relations
Beyond trade, discussions included topics like global security and NATO defense spending, with Trump urging increased contributions from European allies
Meloni reaffirmed Italy's commitment to transatlantic unity, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the U.S. and Europe in addressing international crises
Trump accepted Meloni's invitation to visit Rome, signaling a continued commitment to engaging with European partners and fostering diplomatic relations
The meeting's outcomes suggest a potential thaw in U.S.-EU trade tensions, with both leaders showing willingness to negotiate and find common ground