The 48-year-old Meloni caressed the 30-year-old Trump in Washington on Thursday according to all the rules of art. It called the United States a “reliable partner” and was “sure that we can make a deal”. Her previous criticism, the Trump-Zölle are “wrong”, she did not repeat in Washington.
At the meeting with Meloni in the White House, Trump was mild and expressed that he believed in a “hundred percent” of a customs deal with the European Union. He overwhelmed the Italian head of government in warm words. “She is great,” Trump called reporters when he received Meloni in front of the White House. As in thanks, the Italian, dressed in white, nestled on the one head of larger US president.
Trump wrote in his online service Truth Social on Friday that Meloni left a “fantastic” impression when she visited Washington.
The US President had imposed high tariffs against numerous countries in early April, and a surcharge of 20 percent was planned for the EU. A week later, however, Trump carried out a U -turn and announced a “break” of 90 days, in which a minimum rate of ten percent applies to most products.
In the EU, Meloni’s visit to Trump was seen with mixed feelings. France’s Minister of Industrialists Marc Ferracci had warned of “bilateral discussions” with Trump and emphasized that only a united Europe was strong.
The EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is officially negotiating on behalf of the member countries with the United States. So far, however, she has had problems getting an appointment in the White House. Against this background, a commission spokeswoman called Meloni’s journey “very welcome” that she was discussed by the Leyen.
Trump evadically commented on the question of a personal meeting von der Leyen. “We will hardly have any problems concluding an agreement with Europe or someone else,” he said.
In contrast, Trump seemed ready to be on a return visit to Meloni in Rome. It would be the first trip to Europe of the 78-year-old almost a hundred days ago since taking office.
Vice President Vance traveled to Italy on Good Friday – and hit Meloni there just a few hours after her return from her visit to the White House. On his first trip to Europe since his fire speech at the Munich Security Conference in February, the Italian head of government welcomed him at her official residence in the Palazzo Chigi in downtown Roman.
Vance described Meloni as a “dear friend” and announced that she was “exchange” over her tariffs with her. He was “just enthusiastic to see a dear friend in a beautiful place with great people”. For her part, Meloni said that she was “proud” that Vance had decided to spend Easter in Rome.
Vance, converted into Catholicism five years ago, took part with his family in the Good Friday mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. In addition, a visit to the Engelsburg near the Vatican was on his program. For Saturday, the US Vice President is planning a meeting with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, number two in the Vatican after the Pope. Vance could also take part in the Easter celebrations on St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.
