Trump Confirms Trade Deal with Europe During Meloni Meeting

In a decisive move signaling renewed American strength on the global stage, President Donald Trump declared Thursday that a trade deal with Europe is not just possible “100%” guaranteed. The statement came just before a working lunch with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, making her the first European leader to meet with Trump since his administration paused planned tariffs last week.

Trump’s clear, confident declaration sends a message to Brussels: the days of the EU exploiting America’s generosity are over.

The timing couldn’t be more critical. Both Trump and the EU have agreed to a 90-day freeze on new tariffs, allowing time for what Trump hopes will be meaningful, bilateral negotiations that prioritize fairness and reciprocity.

“There will be a trade deal, 100%,” Trump said. “I’m sure we can make a deal.”

Italian Prime Minister Meloni widely dubbed the “Trump Whisperer” by international media signaled her commitment to that effort, even though she does not have direct authority to broker deals on behalf of the 27-member bloc. Still, her presence is not symbolic. As a populist conservative with strong nationalistic values, Meloni represents a natural ally in Trump's efforts to restore balance in U.S.-EU economic relations.

Key issues discussed in the meeting reportedly included:

• Trade imbalances: The U.S. trade deficit with the EU currently stands at a staggering $236 billion.

• Tariff relief: Trump temporarily suspended tariffs of up to 25% on European cars, steel, aluminum, and other goods, aiming to leverage better terms.

• Defense spending: Italy, like several NATO members, fails to meet the agreed-upon 2% of GDP for military expenditures currently contributing just 1.5%.

• Energy exports: Trump plans to boost American energy exports, pushing partners like Italy to import more U.S. oil and gas to counter European dependence on hostile powers.

Meloni addressed the defense shortfall head-on, noting Europe is “committed to do more,” while Trump is expected to continue pressing allies to meet their obligations a point he has hammered home since his first term.

More than just policy, the Trump-Meloni alliance symbolizes a broader shift in Western politics. Both leaders were elected by voters fed up with weak globalism, unchecked immigration, and the erosion of national sovereignty. Their meeting underscores a bold, values-based cooperation that cuts through EU bureaucracy and delivers results.

While EU officials like Ursula von der Leyen have yet to even meet with Trump nearly three months into his presidency, Meloni’s early engagement reflects not only respect but a desire to shape outcomes instead of resisting them.

With Trump in the White House again, the United States is no longer playing defense. It’s setting the terms, and allies who respect that like Italy will be at the front of the line when the deals are made.

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