Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made headlines with a surprise visit to Mar-a-Lago on Sunday, where she met with incoming President Donald Trump. This meeting marks their second encounter since Trump won the U.S. election in November 2022. The meeting underscores Meloni's intention to strengthen ties with the new administration and position herself as a key ally in Europe.
During their meeting, Trump praised Meloni, describing her as a “fantastic woman… she’s really taken Europe by storm.” This mutual admiration could pave the way for a close partnership between the two leaders, especially as both navigate complex political landscapes in their respective countries. Meloni's office emphasized that this meeting is part of a broader strategy to enhance Italy's role on the international stage.
In addition to her rapport with Trump, Meloni has also been cultivating connections with Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. Reports indicate that the Italian government is in advanced negotiations with Musk's SpaceX for a $1.5 billion deal aimed at providing secure internet service through the Starlink satellite constellation. However, Meloni’s office clarified that any discussions with SpaceX during her meeting with Trump were part of “regular discussions” and no new agreements had been finalized.
The backdrop of this collaboration includes Trump’s recent threats to impose a 10% tariff on all goods imported into the U.S. This proposal poses a significant risk to Italy, which is the second-largest export market for the European Union after Germany. A study by European risk analysis firm Prometeia projected that such tariffs could cost the Italian economy up to $7 billion.
Meloni has expressed admiration for Trump, referring to him as a “great figure of our times” and labeling him a “genius” who has been incorrectly portrayed as a “monster.” In a recent interview with Italian news outlet Corriere della Sera, she reiterated her support for Trump, which could resonate well given the current political climate in Europe, where countries like Germany and France are grappling with domestic challenges and criticism from the former president.
After her meeting, Meloni took to social media platform X to share her enthusiasm, stating she had enjoyed a "nice evening" with Trump and was "ready to work together." This sentiment reflects her commitment to fostering a strong alliance that could significantly influence European politics.
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