The Italian 'Trump whisperer'

ITALIAN PRIME MINister Giorgia Meloni's political fortunes are far brighter than any other G-7 leader's.

Her Brothers of Italy Party is polling at 30% support-high in a multiparty system-and neither her coalition partners nor the opposition are in a position to challenge her. While incumbents across much of the world keep getting the boot and other European leaders are struggling-with French President Emmanuel Macron weakened and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on his way out this monthMeloni's leadership remains undisputed.

Against this backdrop, Donald Trump's return to the White House presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Meloni. The U.S. President has threatened to levy massive tariffs on the E.U., reconsider the U.S. commitment to NATO and the transatlantic alliance, and force an unfavorable cease-fire deal on Ukraine. His transactional, unilateralist approach to foreign policy and open support for Euroskeptic leaders pose a test for European cohesion at a time when the continent faces major challenges.