Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday amid a tense trade standoff with the European Union over tariffs. Meloni’s visit to Washington makes her the first European leader to meet the president since he announced tariffs on European imports earlier this month.

President Donald Trump says he's in “no rush” to reach any trade deals because he views tariffs as making the United States wealthy.

Trump has lauded Italy's right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as a "fantastic leader." Their affinity has put pressure on the EU flag-bearer.