Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made a bold statement at the Oval Office, aligning herself with President Donald Trump in their shared opposition to what they perceive as the encroachment of progressive ideals. Described as a populist, conservative figure, Meloni has garnered attention from Trump and his advisors for her anti-migration stance and close ties with influential figures like Elon Musk. In contrast to other European leaders, Meloni’s visit emphasized her alignment with Trump’s views rather than pushing for specific policy changes. Despite differing priorities on trade and defense, Trump showed respect towards Meloni, praising her and expressing optimism for a potential trade deal. Meloni’s visit highlighted her role as a key intermediary between the U.S. and the EU, although clarity on Trump’s trade agreement expectations remained elusive. While Meloni’s Italy may not align perfectly with Trump’s desires, he lauded her impact on Europe and accepted an invitation to meet with other European leaders in Rome. Meloni’s adept navigation of relationships with both European and American leaders has positioned her as a significant player in transatlantic diplomacy, despite potential challenges in addressing trade imbalances and defense spending disparities.