During a joint appearance at the White House, United States President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni underscored their shared commitment to global security, economic ties, and a unified approach to the conflict in Ukraine. The meeting, held at the Oval Office, marked a reaffirmation of transatlantic cooperation amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.

“Together, we've been defending the freedom of Ukraine. Together we can build a just and lasting peace. We support your efforts, Donald,” Meloni stated, highlighting Italy's continued support for U.S.-led efforts in Ukraine. She added that a path to peace must be forged collaboratively, combining European resolve with American leadership.

Meloni also emphasized the economic interdependence between the two countries, revealing that Italian businesses are expected to invest nearly $10 billion in the U.S. over the coming years. She pointed to an increase in Italy’s liquid natural gas (LNG) imports as a potential area of expanded cooperation with the U.S. energy sector.

In the joint press conference that followed their private meeting, Trump addressed ongoing questions about his administration’s aggressive tariff policies. Rejecting the notion of any post-meeting policy shift, Trump declared, “Tariffs are making us rich,” citing recent levies on automobiles, steel, and products linked to fentanyl-exporting countries.

He claimed that tariffs on China had generated over $700 billion for the U.S. and said the country was collecting “billions” in revenue even as he spoke. However, these assertions stand in contrast to figures released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which indicate a significantly lower amount of tariff-related income than Trump’s statements suggest.

The conversation between Trump and Meloni reinforced a broader narrative of transatlantic alignment on both strategic and economic fronts. While the two leaders presented a unified front, discrepancies between Trump’s claims and federal data continue to stir debate over the true impact of the administration’s trade policies.

The visit is expected to further strengthen U.S.-Italy relations and fuel future joint initiatives across energy, defense, and investment domains. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the leaders’ call for coordinated peace-building efforts signals a continued commitment to addressing the crisis through diplomacy and resilience.