President-elect Donald Trump welcomed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to his Mar-a-Lago club over the weekend. Meloni visited following previous meetings with other leaders, such as Argentina’s President Javier Milei, who was the first to meet Trump after his recent victory. Notable guests, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, also attended meetings in Florida.
During the event, Trump expressed his enthusiasm for Meloni’s leadership in Europe, stating, “This is very exciting.” He acknowledged her remarkable impact on the continent and enjoyed a dinner with her as well as key members of his incoming administration, including Florida Senator Marco Rubio and Congressman Mike Waltz, who are set to play significant roles in his cabinet.
Meloni’s visit coincides with rising tensions between Italy and Iran over the detention of journalist Cecilia Sala in Tehran, which has sparked concerns back home. Iranian authorities have made demands regarding the release of an Iranian businessman arrested in Italy—a point of contention that may complicate diplomatic relations.
In a separate development, President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with Meloni and Pope Francis in Rome this coming Thursday. The White House states that this meeting aims to reinforce the strong ties between the United States and Italy, commending Meloni for her leadership within the G7 over the past year.
