Italian Prime Minister Meets Trump in Florida to Discuss Cooperation and Strengthen Relations | WPN World People News

U.S. President-elect Trump, set to take office on January 20, received Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on January 4 during an unannounced visit to Florida. Meloni, who posted a photo of the two on social media, emphasized their readiness to collaborate closely.

Meloni's trip, kept under wraps by Italian officials, saw her travel from Rome directly to Trump’s private Mar-a-Lago estate. Trump was joined by high-ranking members of his incoming administration, including Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor nominee Mike Waltz, and Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent. The prominent lineup highlighted Trump’s regard for Meloni as a significant European ally.

Given her conservative credentials and the stability of her right-wing coalition in Italy, Meloni is viewed as a strong potential partner for Trump. Her close ties with billionaire Elon Musk, a key Trump ally during the election, further cement her strategic importance. U.S. commentators believe Trump might see Meloni as a bridge to improve relations with other European leaders.

One pressing matter likely influencing Meloni’s swift visit is the detention of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala in Iran. Tehran reportedly seeks to exchange Sala for Mohammad Abedini Najafabadi, an Iranian drone expert arrested in Milan earlier this month at the U.S.'s request. Abedini faces charges of organized crime, export law violations, and support for terrorist organizations. A Milan court is currently deliberating whether to extradite him to the U.S.

Trump, who will officially take office later this month, has already hosted leaders from three nations at Mar-a-Lago, with Meloni being the fourth. Expressing his enthusiasm, Trump remarked, “I stand here with an extraordinary woman, the Prime Minister of Italy. She has truly taken Europe by storm!”