After the visit of Giorgia Meloni to the White House, celebrated at home as an image success – and not wrongly, given the ease with which she handled the flowing English and the praise (never easy) torn from Donald Trump – remains only one question: Beyond the choreography, what’s concrete? The answer, if there is, must be sought within the global economic scenario, in the incandescent heart of a new commercial war in the reacing phase. The negotiations on duties – real political ammunition for Trumpian America – are in full swing. After Japan, it was the turn of Italy. In lunch in the cabinet room and in the interview in the oval study – the same theater of the memorable humiliation imposed on Zelensky in the first term – Trump and vice -president JD Vance exhibited an open admiration for the Italian leader, praising its conservative and identity positions, and suggesting that his style of government can become A model for the whole of Europe.
Meloni showed tactical skills. No requests that could trigger clashes. He kept the line on Ukraine firm, remembering that the war was started from Russia. Confirmed the 10 billion of Italian investments in the United States and has relaunched with the commitment to increase the imports of American gas, without forgetting to announce A left understood on nuclear power. In short, Atlantist postures combined with a conscious diplomatic seduction. Knowing his interlocutor, the premier calibrated the words well: “My goal is to make the West big again,” he said. And he immediately struck the right nerves, attacking the programs of diversity and “Woke” ideology. Then, the theater blow: the official invitation to Trump for a visit to Italy.
Meloni also hinted the will of place themselves as a bridge between Europe and the United Statesventuring a possible summit with European leaders. But on this point Trump showed himself, as always, evasive. It is no mystery that this visit also had a precise economic background: Europe is looking for a respite on dutiesor at least a more lasting suspension. But Trump does not make discounts, and the three months of suspension granted are more than anything else a window to raise the stakes. Almost 90 days from the beginning of the second term, Trump He hasn’t found time yet to meet Ursula von der Leyenand has not changed his mind about the European Union: “She was born to cheat the United States”, continues to repeat.
Yet, in front of Meloni, he guaranteed: “There will be a commercial agreement, 100%, with the European Union by the end of the suspension”. But he specified: on some duties. And on others? In fact, Meloni returns home with a full full of public praiseincluding Trump’s comment according to which he “won Europe”. But when he was asked to detail the contents of the promised commercial agreement, he changed speech. Behind the facade of the smiles, structural divergences remain. Italy is not the ideal model for Trump, neither on trade nor on defense. Our country has a commercial surplus of 45 billion dollars with the United States – thanks to the American thirst for Italian luxury products: sparkling wines, cheeses, and the inevitable 3,500 Ferrari sold every year. Even with a 25%duty, those who can afford a 250 thousand dollars red will certainly not be discouraged.
On the military front, Italy has not yet achieved the target of 2% of the GDP for the shopping in defense established by NATO. We are under 1.5%. Meloni promised to get there. But Trump, as a negotiator consumed, has already made it known that he points to 5%so as to “close” on 3%. A ride to rearma that, needless to say, It mainly favors the American war industry. So what remains? At the moment, a good personal relationship. A “Special Relationship” in the Mediterranean version. But to use a Roman synthesis: We are still to the “Dear friend”.
