In a warm White House meeting, U.S. President Donald Trump sat down with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, sparking hope for a trade deal with the European Union (EU). Amid tensions over global tariffs, Trump struck a surprisingly optimistic note, saying, “We’ll get a trade deal, 100 percent—but it’s got to be fair.” This came after he announced a 20% tariff on EU goods, paused for 90 days. Meloni, the first European leader to meet Trump since the tariff freeze, called it a chance to “make the West great again.” For Italy, which sends 10% of its exports to the U.S., the stakes were personal and high.

Meloni sees the meeting as a stepping stone for EU-U.S. talks, but some EU leaders worry it undermines their unity. “There are differences across the Atlantic, but now’s the time to find solutions,” Meloni said, her voice carrying both resolve and hope. Trump, brushing off any rush, added, “Everyone wants a deal with us, but it has to work for America.” Meloni even invited him to Rome, a gesture that could open doors for future EU dialogues. Their conversation, filled with cautious optimism, hints at a path toward easing trade tensions and strengthening ties, offering a glimpse of diplomacy at work in a divided world.