Italian Prime Minister Meloni Expresses Confidence in U.S. Leadership Under Trump

Meeting with Trump in Florida

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently traveled to Florida for undisclosed talks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Following their meeting, Trump referred to Meloni as “a fantastic woman,” signaling a positive rapport between the two leaders.

Meloni revealed during a press conference in Rome that she had received an invitation to Trump’s January 20 inauguration and expressed her willingness to attend if her schedule allows.

Strengthening U.S.-European Ties

Supporters of Meloni hope her relationship with Trump will position Italy as a key intermediary between Washington and Europe during his administration. Addressing concerns about potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy, Meloni emphasized that she trusted Trump to maintain the Western alliance and uphold shared strategic interests.

Reassurance on Strategic Issues

In response to Trump’s controversial comments about the Panama Canal and Greenland, Meloni dismissed fears of aggressive territorial ambitions by the U.S. She framed his statements as a commitment to protecting strategic interests rather than a prelude to annexation.

“My thinking is that these statements are … a vigorous way to say the United States will not stand by while other major global players move into areas that are of strategic interest,” she said.

Continued U.S. Support for Ukraine

Addressing concerns about Trump’s stance on Ukraine, Meloni expressed confidence that the U.S. would not abandon the country amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. She stressed the importance of maintaining pressure on Moscow to achieve meaningful negotiations.

“I do not expect a disengagement by the United States from Ukraine,” Meloni said. “Trump has the ability to balance diplomacy and deterrence, and I predict that this will be the case this time too.”