On November 20, 2024, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made a surprise visit to Mar-a-Lago to meet with incoming President Donald Trump, marking their second encounter since his election victory. Trump praised Meloni as a “fantastic woman” who is making significant strides in Europe, while Meloni expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with him in a post on X. Their meeting followed a prior discussion at Notre Dame cathedral’s reopening in December.
Meloni’s relationship with Trump positions her as a pivotal ally for the U.S. in Europe, especially as other European leaders face domestic challenges and scrutiny from Trump. She is motivated to strengthen ties with the incoming administration, particularly in light of Trump’s threats of a 10% tariff on European imports during his campaign. Such tariffs could significantly impact Italy, potentially costing the economy up to $7 billion, given that the U.S. is its second-largest export market.
In addition to her efforts with Trump, Meloni is also fostering connections with influential figures like Elon Musk, whom she lauded in an interview. Her strategic alliances indicate a proactive approach to ensuring Italy’s economic interests amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
