Not long ago, the idea of Italy hosting one of Europe’s most stable governments seemed implausible. Historically, Italian coalition governments have been notoriously short-lived, rarely surviving beyond a year. Yet, recent developments have placed Italy—and its far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni—at the forefront of Europe’s political landscape, particularly in shaping ties with the U.S. under a potential second Donald Trump presidency.
Factors such as political instability in traditionally steady nations like France and Germany, coupled with Meloni’s growing popularity since taking office in 2022, have turned Italy into a pivotal player in transatlantic relations. This newfound role could be further bolstered by an unlikely connector: Elon Musk.
A Strategic Alliance in Paris
Last weekend, Meloni dined with Trump and Musk at a high-profile event hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron to celebrate the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. Trump later described the dinner as a success, praising his rapport with Meloni.
“We got along great,” Trump told The New York Post, noting they spent significant time together. Describing Meloni as a “live wire,” he expressed optimism about their potential to “straighten out the world a little bit.”
Despite their similar populist leanings, Meloni and Trump differ on key issues, particularly the war in Ukraine. While Trump has criticized U.S. involvement, Meloni has been one of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters, meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky multiple times since Russia’s invasion. Whether Meloni can influence Trump’s stance on such matters remains uncertain, but she seems poised to be Europe’s primary interlocutor with a Trump-led U.S.
Italy’s Unique Position
With political turmoil gripping France and Germany, Meloni’s government stands out as a beacon of stability. Giovanni Orsina, director of political science at Rome’s Luiss University, argues this makes Italy a key player in U.S.-Europe relations under a Trump administration. “When Trump comes into the White House, Italy will have a kind of monopoly as the only country with a stable government,” Orsina told CNN.
Elon Musk’s role in this dynamic cannot be overstated. The billionaire entrepreneur enjoys strong ties with both Trump and Meloni. Their friendship was cemented in 2023 when Musk spoke at Meloni’s Brothers of Italy convention, and he is rumored to appear at this year’s event alongside Argentine President Javier Milei, another Trump ally.
Social Media Buzz and Rumors
The closeness between Meloni and Musk has sparked widespread speculation, with rumors of a romantic relationship circulating earlier this year. The two dismissed the gossip on social media, with Musk clarifying that there was “no romantic relationship whatsoever.” Regardless, their bond could serve as a valuable channel for communication between Meloni and Trump.
Challenges and Opportunities
Meloni has already begun positioning herself as a bridge between the U.S. and Europe. Following her meeting with Trump in Paris, she posted a photo of the two on social media, captioned, “There is already an alliance. The USA-EU axis passes through Italy.”
However, not everyone is convinced of her influence. Steve Bannon, once an ardent supporter, has since criticized Meloni for becoming more moderate, particularly regarding her unwavering support for Ukraine. Bannon predicted Trump’s return would shift Meloni’s approach to align more closely with his, especially on NATO and funding for Ukraine.
For now, Meloni appears well-placed to leverage her relationships with both Musk and Trump to shape Europe’s engagement with the U.S. While Orsina suggests she may be more reactive than proactive in navigating this role, her position as a stable leader in an increasingly fractured Europe offers her a unique opportunity.
Whether Meloni will successfully bridge the gap between Trump and Europe remains to be seen, but she is undeniably emerging as a key figure in this complex geopolitical equation.