Far-right leaders Mateusz Morawiecki, president of the European Conservatives and Reformists, Santiago Abascal of Spain's Vox party, and co-leader Tino Chrupalla of Alternative for Germany toasted to Trump's inauguration in Washington in January. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (Brothers of Italy, member of ECR) was the only sitting European leader to attend.  

Vula Tsetsi, co-chair of the European Green Party said:

"Now that President Trump has imposed a 20% tariff on European products, the far right's alliances with Trump will backfire as European businesses get into trouble due to the Trump tariffs. The irony is palpable: far-right, nationalists like Meloni always blame the EU for domestic problems. But now that their alliance with their dear friend Trump is inflicting historic damage on European family businesses, they back the US instead of defending their companies and their household purchasing power. How will Meloni, explain to Italian winemakers that she danced with the devil and that he is now destroying the Italian family businesses?”  

Ciarán Cuffe, co-chair of the European Green Party added:

"When the export of European farmers’ products goes into free fall, remember who played cheerleaders at Trump's inauguration: his far-right friends from Italy, Spain and Poland - Meloni, Abascal, Morawiecki.  From hugs to tariffs: the cozying up to far-right leaders comes at a high price for Europe. These far-right people like to call themselves ‘patriots’. The question is: for which country? Now, confronted with this trade war initiated by Trump, the EU must stay united and support member states most affected. A common approach is essential to prevent division and protect our economy, citizens, and the climate transition.”

The United States is Italy's largest market for wine, accounting for €1.9 billion in 2024, or 24% of Italy's global wine exports. The U.S. is the second largest market for Spanish olive oil, a trade worth more than $600 million.