What Meloni has shown — so far — is a certain mindfulness to the optics of appearing next to populist figures such as Argentina’s Javier Milei and Hungary’s Orban — also favorites of Trump. She is seeking to carve a path somewhere between the two as a more serious and institutional whisperer, officials say.

Meloni received a rapturous welcome to Trump's Palm Beach resort, according to videos circulating on social media.