Trump says he ‘likes’ Lula after phone call, signals new phase in US–Brazil relations: Video
US President Donald Trump said he “liked” his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, suggesting a possible thaw in relations between Washington and Brasília after months of tensions over trade and judicial matters.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, according to the White House, Trump described their recent talks as “great,” adding that the two leaders would “start doing business.”
The remarks followed a phone conversation between Trump and Lula earlier this week, marking the first direct contact between the two since Trump returned to office. “He’s going to come here, and I’ll go to Brazil at some point,” Trump told journalists, signalling plans for reciprocal visits that could revive long-stalled cooperation between the two countries.
Relations between the United States and Brazil have been strained since Trump imposed steep tariffs on Brazilian goods in August. The move came after Brazil’s Supreme Court sentenced former president Jair Bolsonaro — one of Trump’s closest allies in Latin America — to more than 27 years in prison for his alleged role in the 2023 coup attempt.
Lula, who has repeatedly condemned foreign interference in Brazil’s judicial affairs, previously warned Washington to “respect Brazil’s sovereignty.” Despite the sharp rhetoric, both leaders now appear open to rebuilding economic and diplomatic ties, a shift that could reshape the regional balance of power in the Americas.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
