After Washington, Rome. After Trump, Vance. In less than 48 hours, Giorgia Meloni he has closed the circle of a mission that aims to strengthen his network of direct contacts with the American administration - current and future - and to position Italy as a crucial hub in relations between Europe and the United States.
And just as the prime minister is strengthening relations with Washington, a new front is stirring in the United States. White House sources report that the Trump administration is "studying options" to lift Jerome Powell from the leadership of the Federal Reserve. “I don't think he's doing a good job. I'm not happy with him,” Trump said, criticizing Powell for his caution in cutting interest rates, and calling for immediate action to support growth. The issue, he confirmed Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, is now on the desk of the president and his staff.
Meloni Welcomes Vance: Focus on Defense, Gas, AI and Ukraine
Yesterday, a Palazzo Chigi, Meloni welcomed the US Vice President JD Vance. After a private face-to-face meeting, a lunch was held with Deputy Prime Ministers Matteo Salvini and Antonio Tajani, in a cordial atmosphere but full of strategic issues. At the centre of the conversation: the increase in Italian spending on American armaments, industrial cooperation in advanced technologies, and strengthening supplies of liquefied gas (LNG) and artificial intelligence from the United States. In exchange, Washington has expressed interest in investing in Italy, which it considers "increasingly attractive", and in collaborating on infrastructure projects linked to the new "alternative Silk Road" that Rome has embraced after having renounced the Chinese one.
Another crucial theme was the conflict in Ukraine. Vance updated Meloni on developments in the negotiations between the US, Europe and Russia. The joint statement expressed Italy's full support for Trump's leadership for a negotiated solution that leads to a "just and lasting" ceasefire. In addition, the removal of regulatory obstacles for large American technology companies in Europe and the creation of a favorable environment for digital investments were discussed. On duties: “We are negotiating not only with Italy, but with the entire EU, and we will continue the discussions we have started with the president,” declared the US vice president.
Finally, the meeting also touched on other topics, such as fight to irregular immigration and trafficking of synthetic drugs, with both countries committed to cooperating in these areas.
Europe puts the brakes on Rome summit: “Better in Brussels”
At Palazzo Chigi, eyes are already set on the future. Italian sources report that Trump has confirmed his intention to fly to Rome “in the near future,” with the idea of transforming the visit into a possible summit with the European Union. The Italian Prime Minister immediately shared this prospect with Ursula von der Leyen, which welcomed the Italian proposal to facilitate a direct channel between the EU and the US administration. However, between Brussels and the European chancelleries, the enthusiasm is not unanimous: if the Commission defined Meloni's attempt to open a political bridge with Trump as "positive", the European Council and national governments are more cautious, fearing the risk of bypassing the institutional offices of the Union.
To complicate matters further, there is the question of duties: the truce on tariffs will expire in July, but despite good intentions, no concrete steps have been taken so far. This has prompted an intensification of contacts between the Twenty-Seven, while the possibility of organizing an EU-US summit is being considered.
Meloni, meanwhile, is preparing to consolidate her image as a leader capable of communicating directly with the White House, an activity that strengthens her personal bond with Trump but at the same time creates friction in Europe.
