Trump hails Meloni's leadership: "She’s really taken Europe by storm"

In a warm reception at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, US President-elect Donald Trump lauded Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as a “fantastic woman” who has “really taken Europe by storm.”

Meloni’s visit to the former president’s residence underscores the growing alliance between the right-wing leaders, particularly as she continues to solidify Italy’s political stability in contrast to the tumultuous state of other European powers like France and Germany, Caliber.Az reports, citing US media.

Meloni, who took office in October 2022 as the leader of the Brothers of Italy party, has quickly emerged as one of Europe’s most prominent right-wing figures. Known for her conservative stance, she has developed ties with key figures in the Trump camp, including tech mogul Elon Musk.

As she seeks to strengthen Italy’s diplomatic and political ties with the incoming US administration, her visit to Trump’s Florida residence is seen as an opportunity to further solidify these connections.

Trump’s remarks were delivered to a crowd at Mar-a-Lago, where Meloni was accompanied by two of Trump’s nominees for prominent positions in his upcoming administration—Senator Marco Rubio (R-Florida) for Secretary of State, and Representative Mike Waltz (R-Florida) for National Security Advisor. While the exact discussions remain private, the timing of the meeting suggests that strengthening transatlantic relations and furthering mutual political interests were likely high on the agenda.

One pressing issue on the table may be the case of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, detained in Iran on December 19. The journalist’s arrest has sparked diplomatic concerns in Italy, and Meloni’s government is actively seeking her release. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed the efforts to bring Sala home, underscoring the delicate diplomatic situation.

The visit follows a series of encounters between Meloni and other influential political figures. Just last month, she dined with Trump and Musk during the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Trump later described the gathering as positive, hinting at an ongoing rapport with the Italian Prime Minister.

Despite sharing similar political ideologies, Meloni and Trump do not always align on every global issue. While Trump and Musk have frequently been critical of US support for Ukraine, Meloni remains one of Kyiv’s staunchest European backers, having met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy numerous times since Russia’s invasion.

Nevertheless, her growing relationship with Trump’s camp, especially through shared conservative values and the support of figures like Musk, continues to drive forward her position on the international stage.

By Khagan Isayev