17 April 2025 | Washington, D.C.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has downplayed expectations of swift trade agreements with European allies, stating he is in “no rush” to conclude any deals while tariffs continue to generate significant revenue for the U.S. government.
Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the White House, Trump remarked that although it would be “easy” to reach an agreement with the European Union, he is content to let the current tariff regime remain in place for now.
“We’re in no rush,” Trump said, according to AP’s Alex Brandon, as the two leaders met for lunch in the Cabinet Room.
Meloni’s visit marks the first by a European leader since Trump imposed — and later partially paused — 20% tariffs on key European exports, escalating transatlantic trade tensions. Her diplomatic efforts are being closely watched in Brussels, as she attempts to position herself as a key intermediary between Washington and the EU.
While Trump’s administration has floated the idea of negotiating up to 90 trade deals during a 90-day tariff suspension, he indicated that any comprehensive agreements would come “at a certain point,” suggesting a more measured approach.
Meloni’s meeting is seen as a strategic opportunity to reset EU-U.S. trade dialogue amid ongoing disputes over subsidies, industrial policy, and digital taxation. Although representing Italy, her role in this context also carries broader weight — informally acting as a conduit for European interests in the absence of broader coordinated engagement.
The White House has not disclosed whether any concrete commitments were made during the discussions.
Giorgia Meloni AP Pic Via FMT Creative Commons 4 0
