President Donald Trump says a U.S.-EU trade deal is guaranteed.
“There will be a trade deal, 100%,” Trump said Thursday. “They want to make one very much, and we’re going to make a trade deal. I fully expect it, but it’ll be a fair deal.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited Washington just as tariffs on the EU were paused. Trump says a deal will be made before those duties kick in this June.
Meloni was upbeat about working with the U.S. “I think the best way is that we simply speak frankly about the needs that every one of us has and find ourselves in the middle for that's useful for all,” she said.
She told reporters she wouldn’t be visiting the White House if she didn’t see the U.S. as a trustworthy partner. She wants to bring Trump into future talks on behalf of Italy and Europe.
Trump said trade discussions are happening with Japan and many others. But he’s in no rush to finalize anything. “We're moving along on trade very well,” he said.
He blasted past deals, saying, “The United States was ripped off and taken advantage of by every country in the world, practically... That’s not going to happen anymore.”
Asked if U.S. allies might move closer to China over tariffs, Trump brushed it off. “Nobody can compete with us,” he said.
Trump praised Meloni again after her visit. “I think she’s a great prime minister,” he said. “I think she’s doing a fantastic job in Italy.”
Meloni said Italy isn’t on board with EU tariffs and plans to protect Italian businesses. VP JD Vance will meet with her in Rome Friday as part of a trip to Italy and India.