Meloni seeks to ease Trump’s EU tariffs during tense Washington visit

Italian PM hopes personal diplomacy can reduce pressure from Trump’s threatened tariffs on EU exports.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni speaks to the media at the EU headquarters in Brussels on March 6, 2025. Photo by Nicolas Tucat/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Giorgia Meloni seeks to ease Trump’s EU tariffs during a closely watched visit to Washington this Thursday, marking her most significant diplomatic gamble yet as Italy's prime minister. The visit, aimed at softening Donald Trump’s aggressive trade stance toward the European Union, comes amid growing concerns about a fresh transatlantic trade war. The Italian leader, who shares a personal rapport with Trump, is banking on her conservative credentials and personal diplomacy to sway the U.S. president.

The far-right Meloni has often aligned herself ideologically with Trump, who previously praised her as a “fantastic leader.” However, their mutual admiration will now be tested by hard economic realities and a looming threat to the global trade system. Trump's 20 percent tariff on EU exports—suspended for 90 days—remains a dark cloud over European economies. Meloni, now positioning herself as a bridge between Brussels and Washington, is betting on her close ties to de-escalate the situation and avoid broader retaliatory measures from the EU.

From admiration to negotiation

Since the beginning of Trump’s trade dispute with Europe, Meloni has distanced herself from calls within the EU for a tit-for-tat response. She has instead taken on the mantle of mediator, urging calm and emphasizing her ability to influence Trump through personal diplomacy. This strategy now takes center stage with her one-on-one meeting at the White House.

Trump’s unpredictability has prompted fears in Europe that Meloni could be caught off guard, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was during his February visit to Washington. On that occasion, Trump and his vice president, JD Vance, openly challenged Zelensky in front of reporters—a move that stunned European diplomats. Italian media have raised concerns that Meloni might suffer a similar fate.

Despite these risks, Meloni appears confident. Speaking at an event celebrating Italian exports earlier this week, she acknowledged the pressure but dismissed it with a touch of humor. “We know we’re going through a difficult period, let’s see how it goes in the coming hours,” she said. “I don’t feel any pressure, as you can imagine, for my next two days. Surely I am aware of what I represent and I am aware of what I am defending.”

Trade at the top of the agenda

The most pressing item on Meloni’s agenda is to stop Trump’s tariff threat from becoming a full-blown economic conflict. Italy’s Industry Minister, Adolfo Urso, confirmed on Tuesday that Meloni would press for “talks over retaliation” and seek to revive the European Commission’s “zero for zero” proposal—eliminating reciprocal duties on existing industrial products.

“We absolutely must avoid a tariff war,” Urso stressed. He made clear that Meloni’s approach would be grounded in diplomacy, not confrontation.

While Meloni’s outreach has won her praise from some in Brussels, it has also sparked unease. French industry minister Marc Ferracci warned that bilateral talks risk undermining the EU’s united front. “If we start having bilateral discussions, obviously it will break the current dynamic,” he said. Despite these reservations, both French and EU officials later softened their tone, recognizing the potential value in any effort to open dialogue with Washington.

A spokesperson for the European Commission affirmed that Meloni’s visit had been “closely coordinated” with Brussels and said EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had been “in regular contact” with the Italian leader ahead of her meeting with Trump.

Risks for Italy’s export-driven economy

The stakes for Italy are high. As the world’s fourth-largest exporter, Italy sends roughly 10 percent of its goods to the United States. The reimposition or expansion of tariffs would disproportionately affect key Italian sectors such as automotive components, fashion, luxury goods, and industrial machinery.

Meloni’s hope is that her personal engagement with Trump can defuse the situation before any new tariffs are enacted. Her status as the only EU leader invited to Trump’s inauguration in January may help her case, as it reflects a political relationship that goes beyond formal diplomacy.

If her pitch fails, however, it could expose Italy to disproportionate economic pain while also isolating her within the EU. Meloni has walked a tightrope between asserting Italy’s national interests and maintaining European solidarity—this week, the balancing act becomes even more precarious.

Beyond trade: NATO burden-sharing in focus

Tariffs aren’t the only issue on the table. Trump is expected to raise his longstanding grievance over NATO contributions, pushing for an increase in defence spending among allies. Trump wants NATO members to commit five percent of their GDP to defense, a significant leap from the current two percent target. For Italy—already grappling with debt and economic headwinds—this would be a massive financial burden.

Meloni, who has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion, will likely attempt to shift the NATO conversation toward unity and shared values rather than financial benchmarks. However, she is also aware of the potential political fallout back home if Italy is seen as too accommodating in the face of Trump’s demands.

Playing both sides: EU unity versus national interest

Meloni’s visit highlights the complex dynamics facing EU leaders in a shifting global order. On one hand, her direct engagement with Trump could be seen as undermining Brussels’ authority in trade negotiations. On the other, her success could spare the EU from costly economic conflict.

By stepping into the spotlight and becoming the face of Europe’s efforts to contain Trump’s tariffs, Meloni risks making herself a target—but also stands to become a hero if she returns with a diplomatic breakthrough.

Her planned return to Rome on Friday, just in time to host JD Vance, Trump’s running mate and possible future vice president, adds another layer to the visit’s significance. Vance, like Trump, is a vocal critic of Europe’s defense spending and industrial policies. Any goodwill Meloni secures with Trump could prove valuable in her talks with Vance, potentially shaping future transatlantic relations.

A high-stakes gamble

The diplomatic initiative marks a bold chapter in Meloni’s premiership. Few European leaders would dare to negotiate one-on-one with Trump, let alone attempt to influence his trade policy. But Meloni has always styled herself as different from the establishment—a populist with an outsider’s touch.

Whether that strategy pays off remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: as Giorgia Meloni seeks to ease Trump’s EU tariffs, her reputation as a dealmaker and defender of Italian interests is on the line. The outcome of her Washington trip could define Italy’s economic trajectory—and her political legacy—for years to come.