President Donald Trump described his recent phone call with Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as ‘very good,’ a notable shift from their previous confrontations over trade and judicial matters. Since Lula’s return to power, the two leaders have faced significant friction, particularly regarding the U.S. tariffs and the legal actions taken against former President Jair Bolsonaro. The call marks a tentative move toward reconciliation, with both leaders indicating plans for further discussions and a potential meeting in the near future.
The tensions between the U.S. and Brazil have intensified over the last several months, with Trump imposing a 40% tariff on Brazilian exports, affecting key sectors like petroleum, soybeans, sugar, coffee, and iron and steel products. Brazil, which is the U.S.’s third-largest meat supplier, faces potential economic repercussions if these tariffs remain in place. The Trump administration framed these measures as a response to what it deemed ‘judicial persecution’ of Bolsonaro, a former ally and political figure closely aligned with Trump.
Bolsonaro’s recent conviction and 27-year prison sentence for his role in a failed 2023 coup attempt against Lula’s government has sparked widespread controversy, both within Brazil and among right-wing movements globally. Trump and his aides have equated Bolsonaro’s prosecution to the politically motivated charges Trump faced in the U.S. following the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. In a June letter to Brazil’s government, Trump denounced the ‘international disgrace’ of how Bolsonaro was treated, calling the trial a ‘witch hunt’ that should end immediately.
Despite these tensions, the leaders briefly met at the United Nations General Assembly last month, where they exchanged a cordial handshake and shared words. Trump joked about the moment, suggesting a possible opening for renewed dialogue. The meeting, while brief, indicated a willingness to explore cooperation between the two nations, although the underlying issues remain significant and complex.