How Italys PM Meloni could bridge the gap between Trump and Europe
CNNDEC 2024
Meloni to Meet Trump Amid US-EU Tensions
Above: Simona Granati - Corbis/Contributor Corbis via Getty Images Image copyright: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Palazzo Chigi, on April 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy.
The Spin
Right narrative
Meloni's visit proves that Trump's trade measures were in the right direction. The U.S. is Italy's top non-EU export market, with $76B in exports vs. just $32B in imports in 2024. That $44B gap exemplifies the unfair trade between the U.S. and the E.U. Now Europe seeks talks on U.S. terms, which will bring about a shift in global dynamics.
Left narrative
Trump's tariffs are wrong and will severely damage transatlantic relations. Europe's $1.8 trillion trade with the U.S. relies on key sectors, many of which are ironically critical for small producers and center-right voters in the E.U. Meloni's solo trip to the U.S. risks undermining European unity and playing into Trump's strategy of dividing EU countries.