Overview

• Giorgia Meloni is meeting with Donald Trump in Washington to negotiate a zero-for-zero tariff deal aimed at eliminating reciprocal industrial tariffs between the US and the EU.
• The visit comes during a 90-day pause on US tariffs, providing a window for potential negotiations but raising concerns among EU leaders about maintaining bloc unity.
• Meloni has coordinated her efforts with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, though some EU officials worry her independent approach could undermine collective EU interests.
• Italy's significant €40 billion trade surplus with the US adds domestic pressure on Meloni to secure favorable trade terms for Italian exporters.
• Following her meeting with Trump, Meloni will host US Vice President JD Vance in Rome, continuing discussions on trade, defense, and shared conservative ideological priorities.