Overview

• Giorgia Meloni is the first European leader to meet Donald Trump since his suspension of 20% tariffs on EU goods, now set at 10% for 90 days.
• Meloni is advocating for a 'zero-for-zero' tariff deal, eliminating industrial duties between the EU and the US, as proposed by the European Commission.
• The meeting highlights Meloni's dual role as Italy's leader and an EU representative, with Brussels closely coordinating her outreach to Trump.
• Trump is expected to press Italy to increase its NATO defense spending, currently at 1.49% of GDP, below the 2% target.
• Italy’s $45 billion trade surplus with the US underscores the stakes for Meloni, as she seeks to avoid a trade war that could harm Italy’s export-driven economy.