On January 5, 2025, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made an unannounced visit to President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The meeting, which was not previously disclosed, is seen as a significant diplomatic gesture, with Meloni positioned as a potential 'bridge' between the European Union and the United States.
During their lunch, the two leaders reportedly discussed various pressing topics, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, Middle Eastern affairs, trade relations, and the recent detention of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala in Iran. Trump, after the meeting, expressed his pleasure in meeting Meloni, describing her as a 'fantastic woman' who has made a strong impact in Europe.
Tommaso Foti, Italy's Minister for European Affairs, emphasized that Meloni's visit underscores Italy's capability to act as a diplomatic intermediary between the EU and the US. This meeting comes just days before Meloni is set to meet current President Joe Biden in Italy on January 12.
Meloni's conservative stance and the stability of her right-wing coalition, in power since 2022, may position her as a strong ally for Trump as he prepares for his inauguration on January 20. Additionally, Meloni has established a rapport with billionaire Elon Musk, who has shown support for Trump's campaign and is expected to play a significant role in the new administration.