President Donald Trump is optimistic about reaching a trade agreement with the European Union within the 90-day tariff pause between the trading partners. During a White House luncheon with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Trump expressed confidence in a forthcoming deal, emphasizing that the EU is a priority for his administration. Despite concerns about U.S. allies strengthening ties with China due to tariffs, Trump remains steadfast in his belief that the U.S. will secure a favorable trade deal with Beijing.

Meloni, the first European leader to meet with Trump post-tariffs, described the U.S. as a reliable trade partner, emphasizing the importance of Western unity. Both leaders emphasized the need for dialogue and cooperation to foster mutual growth. While Trump is yet to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the EU’s trade chief engaged in discussions with U.S. counterparts. The U.S. faced a significant trade deficit of $235.6 billion with the EU in 2024, second only to China, which incurred a substantial tariff increase from Trump.

Overall, the meeting between Trump and Meloni signifies ongoing efforts to strengthen trade relations and promote unity between the U.S. and the EU. With negotiations underway and mutual interests in mind, both parties are optimistic about reaching a beneficial trade agreement in the near future.