An Italian blogger asked Trump if he had ever called Europeans “parasites” during a press conference held at the White House between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and US President Donald Trump.
After the columnist requested to move language, the question was asked in Italian. Meloni responded,” No, he never said that,” and came right back immediately.
She next turned to Trump and inquired,” Have you ever said that Germans are pathogens?” Have you ever said that? Trump refrained from saying that, adding,” I have never said that.” I don’t actually understand what you’re referring to.
Stolen Signal information from Trump administration officials, which were cited in a March 2025 essay in The Atlantic, described Germans as pathogens in context of discussions surrounding strikes in Yemen.
The leaders ‘ gathering, which was focused on trade and diplomacy, were not hampered by the odd exchange at the push meeting. Trump claimed a bargain with the European Union was” 100 percentage” possible despite just imposing 20 percent tariffs on EU imports. Meloni echoed that assurance and said she was certain they could find common ground. Trump was given the opportunity to join other EU officials in Rome after being invited there.
She became the first president of Europe to meet Trump since his tax announcement with Meloni’s visit. She used the opportunity to draw attention to their common positions on social, defense, and immigration problems. She remarked,” The purpose for me is to make the West excellent again,” in keeping with Trump’s MAGA motto.
It’s time to try to sit down and find answers, she said, “even if we have some issues between the two shores of the Atlantic.”
Trump said he was “in no hurry” even as he sounded convinced about reaching a bargain with the 27-nation European Union, which he has accused of trying to “take benefits” of the United States. Everyone wants to make a package, and if not, we’ll go ahead and make the deal for them, he continued.
Some Union members expressed worry about Meloni’s strong relationship with Trump, fearing that it would destroy EU cohesion. The French business secretary warned that personal deals may “break the latest dynamic,” according to Associated Press.
On Friday, Meloni will meet with US Vice President JD Vance in Rome. Trump’s tax challenges remain a significant problem, particularly for Italy, which exports roughly 10 % of its goods to the US.
