The Italian-American Congressional Delegation, which includes nearly 200 members of Congress with Italian ancestry, highlights the importance of U.S.-Italy relations.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is solidifying her position as a key ally to U.S. President Donald Trump, having attended his presidential inauguration on January 20, 2025.

During her visit, Trump praised Meloni as a 'fantastic woman,' while she commended his diplomatic approach to foreign affairs.

Meloni's credibility and reliability were emphasized by Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli, suggesting her potential as a preferred interlocutor within the EU.

Despite her moderate stance, analysts express concern that Meloni's euroscepticism may lead her to prioritize Italy's national interests over broader EU considerations.

Aligning closely with Trump presents both opportunities and risks for Meloni, who must navigate her role as a reliable partner for Brussels while promoting national interests.

Meloni's alliance with Trump could help Italy navigate potential conflicts with the new U.S. administration, particularly regarding NATO and defense budgets.

The close relationship between Meloni and Trump has already yielded positive outcomes, such as the release of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala from an Iranian prison.

As Italy's first female prime minister since 2022, Meloni is known for promoting international cooperation and was one of the few foreign leaders present at Trump's inauguration.

Rulli, co-chair of the bipartisan Italian-American Congressional Delegation, expressed a desire to enhance diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties between the U.S. and Italy.

Italy's defense spending currently stands at around 1.5% of GDP, significantly below NATO's 2% target, complicating Meloni's position amid Trump's calls for increased military expenditure.

In a move that underscores her focus on national interests, Meloni's government is negotiating a €1.5 billion contract with Elon Musk's Starlink for secure military communications.