Trump and Lula Meet 3 Times Since 2025: Trade Talks ProgressSince US President Donald Trump's return to the White House, he and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva have met three times, with their interactions evolving from a brief encounter to substantive trade discussions.
First Encounter: A 'Chemistry' at the UNThe first meeting occurred on September 23, 2025, during the UN General Assembly. The encounter in the UN plenary hall was brief, lasting only about 20-39 seconds. Despite the short duration, Trump described having 'excellent chemistry' with Lula, calling him 'a very nice guy.' The two leaders hugged and agreed to meet the following week.
Second Meeting: 45-Minute Trade DiscussionAbout a month after the UN encounter, the presidents held a 45-minute face-to-face meeting in Malaysia. The discussion focused on US tariffs on Brazilian products. Lula argued the tariffs lacked technical basis and noted that the US maintains a trade surplus with Brazil. Trump expressed honor at meeting with the Brazilian president and suggested they could make 'some good deals.' Lula proposed a negotiation timeline and requested the revocation of sanctions against Brazilian officials.
Third Meeting ScheduledA third meeting between the two leaders was scheduled for Thursday at midday in the United States. This marked their third encounter since Trump's return to the White House, indicating ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
The progression from a brief, friendly encounter to detailed trade negotiations suggests a developing diplomatic relationship focused on economic cooperation between the United States and Brazil.