Donald Trump and Giorgia Meloni expressed optimism about a potential US-EU tariffs agreement on Thursday as the far-right Italian prime minister made a strong impression at the White House. As the only European capable of easing Trump's trade tensions, Meloni emphasised their conservative values and expressed her desire to "make the West great again." "There will be a trade deal, 100 per cent," Trump stated during her visit. Meloni added that she was "sure" they could reach an agreement. The two leaders shared a friendly atmosphere during a working lunch and a meeting in the Oval Office, with Trump praising the 48-year-old Italian prime minister as "fantastic."

Meloni is the first European leader to visit the U.S. since Trump imposed a 20 per cent tariff on EU exports, a move he has now put on hold for 90 days. The Italian leader mentioned that Trump had agreed to visit Rome soon and might meet with European leaders during the trip. "Even if we have some problems between the two shores of the Atlantic, it is time that we try to sit down and find solutions," she voiced.

Meloni emphasised their shared views on immigration and "woke" ideology, stating, "The goal for me is to make the West great again, and I think we can do it together."

While Trump remained optimistic about a potential deal with the European Union, which he accuses of attempting to "screw" the United States, he noted that he was "in no rush." "Everybody wants to make a deal -- and if they don't want to make a deal, we'll make the deal for them," Trump further said. 

Trump also revisited his usual criticisms of Europe, urging the continent to "get smart" on immigration and to increase its defence spending within NATO. Additionally, Trump mentioned that China, the U.S.'s superpower rival, had "reached out" regarding a possible agreement to end the ongoing trade war between the two largest economies in the world.

Trump imposed a hefty 145 per cent tariff on Chinese goods after China retaliated against his "Liberation Day" tariff announcement on April 2. "I think we're going to make a very good deal with China," he remarked.

Meanwhile, Russia's war in Ukraine continues to be a sensitive topic between U.S. and Italian leaders.

Meloni has been a strong supporter of Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky since Russia's invasion in 2022, recently condemning Moscow's Palm Sunday attack on the city of Sumy as "horrible and vile."

However, Trump has surprised his allies with a shift towards Moscow and frequent criticism of Zelensky. In a meeting in February, he criticised Zelensky. During a joint appearance with Meloni, he stated, "I don't hold Zelensky responsible, but I'm not exactly thrilled with the fact that that war started," adding that he was "not a big fan" of the Ukrainian leader.

Meloni had previously admitted that her trip was clouded by uncertainty, especially as Europe continues to feel the impact of repeated setbacks from a country long seen as the continent's protector. On Tuesday, she stated, "I am aware of what I represent and I am aware of what I am defending." According to Italian newspapers, Meloni’s visit was to help set up a meeting between Donald Trump and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. However, her choice to approach Trump directly has raised concerns among some EU member states, who worry it might weaken the bloc's unity.

France's Industry Minister Marc Ferracci cautioned last week that “if we start having bilateral discussions, obviously it will break the current dynamic.”

A spokesperson for the European Commission noted that only the EU has the authority to negotiate trade deals on its own, but also said Meloni's "outreach is very welcome" and had been coordinated with Brussels.

After she meets with Trump on Thursday, Meloni is scheduled to return to Rome on Friday, where she has a planned meeting with US Vice President JD Vance. Trump’s proposed tariffs could significantly affect Italy, the world's fourth-largest exporter, which sends about 10 per cent of its exports to the U.S.