Trump calls Giorgia Meloni a 'fantastic woman' during Mar-a-Lago visit, shares dinner & movie with Italian PM

Photos shared by Meloni's office on Sunday show her posing alongside Trump at the entrance of Mar-a-Lago and conversing in a reception area, with a Christmas tree visible in the background.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid an unofficial visit to Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday. The visit marks the latest in a series of foreign leaders being hosted by the US president-elect as he prepares to take office.

Photos shared by Meloni's office on Sunday show her posing alongside Trump at the entrance of Mar-a-Lago and conversing in a reception area, with a Christmas tree visible in the background. Trump described Meloni as “a fantastic woman” and commended her political rise, noting, “She’s really taken Europe by storm.”

The two dined together and also watched The Eastman Dilemma: Lawfare or Justice, a documentary about an attorney charged for attempting to overturn the 2020 election results in favour of Trump.

Meloni, leader of the right-wing Brothers of Italy party, assumed office in October 2022 and is known for her political ties to the incoming Trump administration, particularly with Trump’s ally Elon Musk. Trump’s comments highlight the mutual respect between the two conservative leaders, and the visit underscores their growing political alliance.

While Meloni is known for her firm support of Ukraine, including multiple meetings with President Volodymyr Zelensky since Russia's invasion, her visit with Trump reflects shared conservative values, although their positions on certain global issues may not always align.

Also present at the meeting were Trump’s nominees for secretary of state, Sen. Marco Rubio, and national security advisor, Rep. Mike Waltz. Meloni later posted a picture from the evening on microblogging site X, expressing gratitude for Trump's hospitality and reaffirming their commitment to collaboration.

Bella serata con @realDonaldTrump che ringrazio per laccoglienza.Pronti a lavorare insieme pic.twitter.com/ohNSSq1vLg
Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) January 5, 2025

This week, Meloni is set to meet US President Joe Biden during his trip to Rome, where discussions are expected to focus on global challenges and Italy’s role in the G7. Meloni’s visit to Mar-a-Lago follows a previous dinner in Paris with Trump and Musk during the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral.

This visit by Meloni adds to a growing list of foreign leaders, including Canada's Justin Trudeau and Hungary’s Viktor Orban, who have met with Trump ahead of his presidential inauguration.