Presidents Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Donald Trump met in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sunday (26) to address US-imposed trade sanctions on Brazilian products. The 50-minute meeting symbolizes a truce in bilateral tensions and sparked divided reactions between Lula and Jair Bolsonaro supporters. While Bolsonarists highlighted Trump's praise for the former president, Lula's base praised the defense of national sovereignty.
The meeting between Lula and Trump, held in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday (October 26, 2025), lasted 50 minutes and focused on issues such as 50% tariffs on Brazilian products, especially coffee and meat. Other points included US companies' access to Brazil's rare earth reserves, reduced import taxes on US ethanol, ending desdollarization rhetoric in Brazilian trade, US military pressure against Venezuela, and lifting sanctions on Supreme Federal Court (STF) ministers.
The image of the leaders smiling marked their first meeting and represented a win for the Lula government, with VEJA columnist Thomas Traumann describing it as the 'biggest defeat for Bolsonarism since the 2022 elections.' Trump, seen as the last hope for international relevance for Jair Bolsonaro—sentenced to 27 years for a coup attempt—appears to have abandoned the former ally. The Brazilian government adopted the motto 'what Bolsonaro spoils, Lula fixes,' according to Traumann, signaling the end of belligerence in favor of realpolitik.
Political reactions were immediate. Deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro (PL-SP) posted a video of the meeting on X (formerly Twitter), stating that 'there's an issue on the table that clearly bothers the ex-convict: BOLSONARO.' Trump, questioned by journalists, said he felt bad about what happened to Bolsonaro and always liked him, but retorted: 'Not your business' on discussing it with Lula. Supporters like Carlos Bolsonaro and Bruno Engler echoed the praise, criticizing the lack of announced progress in negotiations.
On the Lulista side, Senator Humberto Costa (PT-PE) praised the 'immediate advances in the commercial agenda and in seeking solutions for tariffs and sanctions,' highlighting 'respect, sovereignty, and determination.' Deputy Ivan Valente (PSOL-SP) called Lula a 'statesman' for recovering trade relations. Even Chamber President Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB) celebrated the dialogue: 'When leaders choose to talk, history thanks them'.
Indications suggest Brazil is no longer a White House priority, with the inclusion of secretaries like Marco Rubio (State), Scott Bessent (Treasury), and Jamieson Greer (Trade) in talks set to begin on Monday Malaysia time. Politically, the meeting benefits Lula for 2026, demobilizing Bolsonarism and aiding popularity recovery.