US President Donald Trump on Friday praised Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, saying she made a “fantastic impression” during her visit to the United States. Sharing a post on Truth Social, Trump posted, “Prime Minister Georgia Meloni of Italy was great yesterday in her visit to the White House. She loves her country, and the impression she left on everyone was FANTASTIC!!!”

Meloni responded on X saying, “Thank you, President Trump!”

She further highlighted that Italy-US cooperation is “based on common values and a long friendship.”
“We will continue to work together to strengthen the bond between our peoples and to face global challenges with determination,” she added. Italian media sources had earlier said that Meloni’s visit partly aimed to facilitate a meeting between Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Her direct engagement with Trump occurs at a crucial time, as potential US tariffs could significantly impact Italy, which exports approximately 10% of its goods to America. After wrapping up her US trip, Meloni returned to Rome Friday to receive US Vice President JD Vance.

Earlier in the day, Vance met with Meloni in Rome and subsequently visited the Vatican for Easter prayers amidst ongoing transatlantic trade discussions. “I’m grateful every day for this job, but particularly today where my official duties have brought me to Rome on Good Friday,” Vance wrote on X.