Giorgia Meloni paid a surprise (and very political) visit to Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence

INTERNATIONAL – A surprise tête-à-tête between Washington and Rome. Less than a fortnight before the inauguration of Donald Trump as the new president of the United States, the leadership ball continues around the Republican billionaire who has made his luxurious residence in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, the antechamber of the White House while waiting to return to the Oval Office.

Latest guest? Italian leader Giorgia Meloni, seen on Saturday January 4 alongside the future American head of state for a “ informal meeting “, as indicated by New York Times.

Photographs published this Sunday, January 5 by the services of the far-right Prime Minister show Giorgia Meloni and Donald Trump posing in front of the entrance to the Mar-a-Lago residence and discussing in the reception room. Photos which obviously made the rounds in the Italian press this Sunday, due to the unexpected nature of this visit.

The leader of the Italian government and leader of the far-right Fratelli d’Italia party was notably seen in the ballroom of Donald Trump’s private golf club. And obviously, the latter was full of praise for the Italian in front of the other guests present. Evoking a “ fantastic woman », « who took Europe and everyone by storm ”, according to comments reported by Associated Press.

On site, the two leaders had dinner together after attending a screening of the documentary The Eastman Dilemma, Lawfare Or Justicefocusing on the difficulties encountered by conservative lawyers in the American legal system. They were also accompanied by a good part of the future Trump II administration, with the future secretary of state and current senator from Florida Marco Rubio or the man chosen as candidate to occupy the post of secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent .

Viktor Orbán and Javier Milei already passed

This eminently political visit directly marks Giorgia Meloni’s desire to make Donald Trump a solid ally of Rome. Especially since in Europe, few leaders can boast of having been welcomed in Donald Trump’s famous HQ. Before her, however, we can cite Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who visited Florida on December 10.

Before him, Argentinian President Javier Milei and Canadian President Justin Trudeau had already gone to Mar-a-Lago to greet Trump, congratulate him on his victory and discuss the future together.

But for the Italian Prime Minister, the stakes of a cordial understanding with the 47th elected president of the United States are particularly crucial to continue to exist at the EU summit. And, as we recall APto strengthen ties with Washington, against a backdrop of tensions between Italy and Iran to obtain the release of an Italian journalist held by the Tehran regime.

Coincidence of timing (or not), Giorgia Meloni’s unannounced visit to Florida comes just four days before US President Joe Biden’s state visit to Rome. Where a visit with the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy is already planned. Just like a separate interview with Pope Francis. A way for Giorgia Meloni to prioritize Joe Biden and to signal her allegiance to his successor.

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