Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made an unofficial visit to US President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate on Saturday, marking the latest meeting between Trump and foreign leaders ahead of his inauguration.
Photos shared by Meloni’s office showed the two leaders posing at the entrance to Mar-a-Lago and chatting in a festively decorated reception room.
Trump described Meloni as “a fantastic woman,” praising her influence in Europe. “She’s really taken Europe by storm,” he said, adding that the two were having dinner together.
US media reported they dined while watching The Eastman Dilemma: Lawfare or Justice, a documentary about a lawyer accused of attempting to overturn the 2020 election in Trump’s favour.
Images of the pair were prominently featured on the front pages of Italian newspapers on Sunday.
Meloni, leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy party, joins other world leaders, including Canada’s Justin Trudeau and Hungary’s Viktor Orban, who have met with Trump before his term begins.
Tensions with Europe
Trump’s proposed heavy import tariffs have unsettled traditional economic allies in Europe, prompting governments to strategise against potential trade disruptions.
Meanwhile, one of Trump’s advisors, Elon Musk, has criticised European governments, including Germany and the UK, for their policies. His support for Germany’s far-right AfD party sparked sharp rebukes, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz calling Musk’s remarks “erratic.”
Meloni’s visit also precedes a scheduled four-day trip to Rome by US President Joe Biden, during which he is set to meet Meloni and Pope Francis.
Key figures in Trump’s incoming administration, including national security advisor Mike Waltz and secretary of state nominee Senator Marco Rubio, reportedly attended the Mar-a-Lago event.
Neither Trump’s nor Meloni’s offices have commented on the visit.
