WASHINGTON — Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will visit the White House this Thursday for discussions with President Donald Trump focusing on economic cooperation and security concerns, according to a White House source who requested anonymity since the meeting hasn’t been formally announced.
The relationship between the leftist Brazilian leader and Trump has experienced significant ups and downs following Trump’s return to office last year.
Earlier tensions arose when Trump imposed substantial tariffs on Brazilian goods and criticized Brazilian officials for pursuing legal action against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro related to alleged coup activities.
The Trump White House implemented a 40% duty on Brazilian imports last July, adding to an earlier 10% increase. Trump defended these trade measures by claiming that Brazil’s policies and legal pursuit of Bolsonaro created an economic emergency situation.
However, Trump subsequently reduced some of these tariffs as part of broader efforts to decrease costs for American consumers.
The two leaders began improving their relationship during September’s United Nations General Assembly, followed by their initial one-on-one discussion in Malaysia during October and additional telephone communications.
Bolsonaro faces allegations of orchestrating a scheme to remain in office after losing the 2022 election to Lula — accusations that mirror those Trump confronted following the January 2021 Capitol attack by his supporters attempting to prevent Democrat Joe Biden from assuming the presidency.
During the previous month, Lula supported Pope Leo XIV amid heated exchanges between the religious leader and Trump concerning the Iranian conflict.
The 80-year-old Brazilian president is seeking reelection in the upcoming October contest.
Brazilian newspaper O Globo initially broke the story about Lula’s planned White House visit.
