Trump Says He Had ‘Great Talk’ With Brazil’s Lula, Discussed Sanctions, Trade

Leaders’ tones after the phone call signaled a positive turn in the latest diplomatic engagement between the United States and Brazil after months of tension.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva shake hands as they meet on the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Oct. 26, 2025. Ricardo Stuckert/Brazil Presidency/Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Dec. 2 that he spoke by phone with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to discuss trade, sanctions, and how to combat organized crime.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said they had “a great talk.”