On Wednesday, US Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta presented his diplomatic credentials to Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace. He met with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Thursday. Decoding the news. His appointment is more than ceremonial.

It’s a strategic signal from the Trump administration, indicating Rome’s elevated role in the United States’ global agenda, particularly in light of Italy’s pivot away from China and renewed focus on transatlantic cooperation. The Rome-Washington axis expands beyond trade disputes to include energy security, investment flows, and geopolitical alignment.