Following his meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the White House on Thursday, US President Donald Trump voiced strong optimism about securing a trade agreement with the European Union. Describing the chances of a deal as "100 per cent," Trump suggested that an agreement was not only likely but inevitable, despite recent tensions around tariffs.

Although Trump has taken a tough stance on international trade — including a 20 per cent tariff on EU goods that has since been suspended for 90 days — he emphasized his openness to fair negotiations. “There will be a trade deal, 100%,” he said. “But it has to be fair.”

Trump also hinted that more international agreements could be on the horizon, stating, “Everyone wants a deal. And for those who don’t — we’ll make the deal happen anyway.”

During their Oval Office interaction, Trump spoke warmly about Meloni, describing her as “one of the real leaders of the world” and affirming a strong rapport both personally and between their nations. “We get along very well,” he added.

Meloni echoed his sentiments, expressing confidence that a trade pact could be reached. She outlined her broader strategic vision, stating, “My goal is to make the West great again, and I believe we can do that together.”

While Meloni has previously criticized Trump's trade policies — calling the tariffs “absolutely wrong” — she emphasized her commitment to maintaining a strong relationship with the US. “If I didn’t think of the US as a trustworthy partner, I wouldn’t be here,” she remarked, highlighting her efforts to protect European interests while fostering transatlantic cooperation.

Trump’s temporary halt on the 20 per cent tariff, which remains in effect until July, is part of a wider trade policy that also includes a general 10 per cent duty on most imports into the US. Justifying these actions, Trump accused the EU of crafting policies that put America at a disadvantage, asserting, “The European Union was formed to take advantage of the United States.”