On April 17, 2025, Donald Trump welcomed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Washington. The meeting was marked by overt displays of personal friendship, as well as a shared alignment on several key issues, from security to immigration policy.
During a joint press statement, Donald Trump praised Giorgia Meloni as “an extraordinary person” and “a friend,” affirming that the relationship between the United States and Italy was “excellent.” In response, the Italian head of government highlighted the long-standing ties between the two countries, recalling that a foundational transatlantic agreement was signed on another April 17 in the past.
Meloni presented the meeting as a shared commitment to a common vision: “We share a fight against war, against ideologies that seek to erase our history.” She also reaffirmed Italy’s support for American initiatives on security, energy, and the fight against illegal immigration.
The discussions covered a wide range of bilateral issues. In addition to defense and economic relations, the talks addressed the development of civilian nuclear power and the increase of Italian imports of liquefied natural gas. “We can work together on this,” Meloni said, emphasizing the growing interconnection between the two economies and announcing €10 billion in additional Italian investments in the United States.
Donald Trump welcomed this momentum and reiterated his desire to build lasting peace, particularly in Ukraine. “An average of 2,500 people are dying each week in Ukraine. We must save those lives.”
Ukraine, Iran, and China at the center of concerns
When asked about Ukraine, Trump said he was waiting for a response from Russia to his ceasefire proposals, expressing a desire to “end the war.” Regarding Iran, he reiterated his red line: “Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons. It’s that simple.” However, he also expressed hope for a peaceful resolution, praising the Iranian people and calling for negotiations.
On China, Trump was critical of Europe, urging it to “make better decisions on education and immigration,” while expressing hope that the Old Continent would “regain its greatness.”
As usual, Trump took the opportunity to highlight his domestic priorities. He criticized the Biden administration’s immigration policies, claiming that “millions of criminals” had crossed the border. He also reaffirmed his intention to deport undocumented individuals, accusing “activist judges” of blocking his agenda.
On the economic front, the former president touted the performance of his previous term and criticized the Federal Reserve’s policies, calling for a reduction in interest rates: “Inflation is low. Prices have dropped. Now it’s time to cut the rates.”
A public show of support for Giorgia Meloni
Trump praised Italy’s immigration policy, calling Giorgia Meloni an “extraordinary prime minister” and expressing his support for strengthened cooperation. Meloni, for her part, emphasized the results achieved, including a 60% drop in illegal migration flows to Italy, while reaffirming her commitment to “defending Ukraine’s future” and “building peace alongside the United States.”