Lula says White House talks with Trump helped ease tariff tensions
Key takeaways
- By: FRANCE 24 Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and US President Donald Trump shaking hands at the White House on May 7, 2026.
- But Lula, speaking to reporters at the Brazilian embassy after a beef fillet lunch with Trump at the White House, said he had asked for no press conference ahead of the meeting and reported progress in resetting ties.
- "We took an important step in consolidating the Brazil–United States relationship," Lula said.
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Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said three hours of talks at the White House with US President Donald Trump on Thursday helped stabilise relations between Brazil and the United States, which have been strained by Trump’s tariff policy.
By: FRANCE 24 Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and US President Donald Trump shaking hands at the White House on May 7, 2026. © EFE - @Lula Oficial Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Thursday that three hours of White House talks with US President Donald Trump had helped to stabilise Brazil–US relations that have been strained over Trump’s tariff policy.
The two leaders had been scheduled to take questions from reporters together in the Oval Office but did not appear, prompting speculation of a breakdown in talks amid Trump’s anger over Brazil’s prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro.