President Trump expressed optimism on Thursday that the American and European Union can reach a commercial deal, as it welcomed Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni to the White House.
Meloni, 48, is the first European leader to meet with Trump, 78, since last week announced that his “liberation day” is a mutual tariff will be stopped for 90 days.
“I'm sure we can make a deal, and I am here to help with that,” said Meloni, who was wearing completely white, Trump before lunch in the Cabinet Chamber.
“I cannot lock this deal in the name of the European Union,” she added. “My goal will be to invite President Trump to an official visit to Italy and understand whether there is a possibility when it comes to organizing such a meeting with Europe.”
“There will be a commercial deal, 100 %,” Trump answered, “But it will be a fair deal.”
The White House looks at Meloni, a close ally of the administration, as the best president to enter talks with a 27 -member bloc on a “custom” commercial deal.
“President Trump will simply focus on how to open the Italy market, but also how they can help us with the rest of EuropeandThe administration official said Thursday morning.
“We definitely see them as valuable axes.”
Trump met Bamounouni on the sidelines of the Nuveram Cathedral in Paris last December – but Thursday's meeting will be the first time they discuss politics in Washington.
In addition to trade, Trump and Meloni are expected to discuss defense, rebuild Ukraine, potential cooperation in space and critical techniques such as artificial intelligence.
Trump is also likely to raise the issue of European countries to increase their defensive spending to meet the threat from Russia.
“Europe, as you know, is committed to doing more, working on tools to allow help [NATO] Member States increased defense spending. “We are convinced that everyone should do more,” said Meloni on Thursday in response to a reporter.
Administration officials said the president would also express Italy from more US energy.
“President Trump aims to launch US energy exports to the rest of the world,” he told reporters. “Therefore, you must expect a discussion focus on the interest of Italy to feed this effort.”
