With Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni standing beside him, former U.S. President Donald Trump shared his hope for a new trade agreement between the United States and the European Union. The two leaders met at the White House on Thursday, where Trump suggested that a deal was likely on the horizon.
Trump takes a softer approach on EU tariffs
This statement comes after Trump paused his earlier decision to impose reciprocal tariffs on EU goods. The tariffs had been introduced on what he called his “Liberation Day,” but he has now delayed them for 90 days.
“There will be a trade deal, 100 per cent,” Trump said confidently. “Of course there will be a trade deal. They want to make one very much, and we are going to make a trade deal, I fully expect it – but it will be a fair deal.”
This marked the first time Trump openly voiced optimism about trade negotiations with Europe. In the past, he repeatedly accused the European Union of benefiting unfairly from trade with the U.S. and not contributing enough to defense efforts.
Meloni urges honest talks
Giorgia Meloni, who became the first European leader to visit the White House following Trump’s tariff announcements, said she couldn’t speak for all 27 EU nations. However, she stressed that sincere conversations could help both sides move forward. Even though Trump has put the broader tariffs on hold, a 10 percent duty still applies to several European products under his trade policy.