U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to the White House on Thursday to discuss trade and broader cooperation with the European Union. During a press conference, Meloni emphasized a shared vision by saying, “The goal for me is to Make the West Great Again.”
Trump echoed her optimism, stating that a trade deal with the EU was inevitable and declaring confidently, “There’ll be a trade deal. 100 percent.” The meeting underscored the strengthening alliance between the two leaders and their mutual interest in reshaping Western partnerships.
Trump Denies ‘Parasites’ Remark as Meloni Defends, Leak Fuels Misunderstanding Online
The press conference took an unexpected turn when a reporter asked Trump if he had ever called Europeans “parasites.” Trump denied the accusation outright, responding, “I never said that, I don’t really know what you’re talking about.” Meloni immediately came to his defense, cutting in to say, “He didn’t say it.” The exchange was widely shared on social media, where Trump supporters criticized the reporter and labeled the question as part of a “fake news” narrative.
Trump and Meloni Vow to ‘Make the West Great Again’ Amid Trade Talks and Alliance ResetThe accusation may have stemmed from a March 2025 Atlantic article that revealed leaked messages from a Signal group chat among senior Trump administration officials. While Trump himself was not part of the chat, figures such as Senator J.D. Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth criticized European nations for relying too heavily on the U.S. military. Phrases like “European freeloading” and “bailing Europe out again” appeared in the messages, leading some to conflate those views with Trump’s own.
Tariff Talks and Shared Ideals Strengthen U.S.-Italy Alliance in Western Strategy Shift
Meloni’s visit was especially significant as it came after Trump had imposed 20% tariffs on EU exports—a move that had raised tensions across the Atlantic. However, the tariffs were temporarily suspended for 90 days to facilitate negotiation. Trump also paused similar tariffs on exports from over 75 countries, including India. In response, the EU agreed to hold off on retaliatory tariffs, signaling a willingness to engage in dialogue. Both leaders expressed hope that this pause would lead to a comprehensive trade agreement.
Beyond trade, the meeting between Trump and Meloni highlighted a broader alignment of political ideologies and strategic goals. Meloni extended an official invitation for Trump to visit Rome, which he accepted. Trump emphasized that the U.S. is eager to strike deals but warned that if partners were unwilling to negotiate, “we’ll make the deal for them.” Their joint statements and actions reflect a strong push to reassert Western strength and unity on their terms, with a focus on nationalism and economic leverage.