Brazil’s President Lula, who continues to pursue a productive relationship with the United States, despite attempts by forces in the Trump Administration to undermine his forthright defense of his nation’s economy and independence at every turn, was upbeat about his discussion. “I had a great meeting with President Trump this Sunday afternoon in Malaysia. We discussed the bilateral trade and economic agenda frankly and constructively. We agreed that our teams will meet immediately to advance solutions to the tariffs and sanctions against Brazilian authorities.” Clearly, whatever now happens, the fact of the meeting itself, and the tone expressed by Lula about it, indicates that a door for discussion between the two Presidents is open.
Trump, it is clear, does better when talking with world leaders in person, than when talking about them on X. Whether there was any deeper understanding gained by Trump, as a result of the meeting with President Lula, as to why and how the United States should change its stated commitment to a policy confrontation with the BRICS nations, is to be seen.
