The administration cast the threat by the judge, James E. Boasberg, to open criminal contempt proceedings as another salvo in an increasingly bitter battle between the White House and the courts.

A federal judge found "probable cause" to hold the administration in contempt for violating his order halting deportations under a wartime law.

The Trump administration is appealing efforts by two judges to investigate whether government officials defied their rulings over the deportation of migrants to El Salvador, escalating a confrontation between the executive and judicial branches.

In their meeting, President Trump made clear that he had special regard for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy. She said he had accepted an invitation to go to Rome.

U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed to an official visit to Rome and will consider also meeting representatives of the European Union while there, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Thursday in the Oval Office.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived in Washington on Wednesday evening ahead of a scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump on Thursday.