Trump hails talks with Lula at White House despite earlier tensions
Trump hails talks with Lula at White House despite earlier tensions
Trump and Lula meet at the White House to discuss trade and tariffs, signaling warmer U.S.-Brazil ties ahead of October elections.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva met at the White House on May 7, 2026 for talks described as productive, with a focus on trade and tariffs amid years of friction. Trump called Lula a very dynamic leader, signaling a thaw in relations despite past tensions.
The session was reportedly closed to the press, and both sides signaled that further discussions would follow. Our Representatives are scheduled to get together to discuss certain key elements, with additional meetings planned in the coming months, according to Trump’s post.
Trump had previously imposed steep tariffs on Brazilian goods as punishment for what he called a witch hunt against Jair Bolsonaro. Lula has criticized U.S. interference in the region, while also aiming to bolster his image ahead of Brazil’s October elections. Bolsonaro himself is serving a 27-year prison sentence for an attempted coup. Despite the friction, relations appeared to warm after Lula and Trump met in Malaysia last year, aided by a series of calls and public signals of chemistry. Both leaders indicated a continued push for dialogue and cooperation on trade and regional issues.
