After their 40-minute phone call midday on Dec. 2, Presidents Donald Trump and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva both expressed warm satisfaction that a “partnership” between the United States and Brazil is now possible on such crucial matters as combatting organized crime, as well as the economy.
The conversation is an encouraging development, coming as it does after Trump’s imposition earlier this year of 50% tariffs on Brazil, sanctions for criminally prosecuting former President Jair Bolsonaro, and sharp attacks on the BRICS—over which Brazil presides in 2025. In fact, turning President Trump against President Lula has been central to London-Wall Street plans to destabilize and seize control over BRICS founding member Brazil—and its significant economy.
Lula has also vocally opposed the idea of an American intervention in neighboring Venezuela. On Nov. 23, he told reporters that he intended to call Trump to tell him that the region does not need a war; it needs “to develop and grow.” Although neither the U.S. nor Brazil mentioned Venezuela in their official readouts of the meeting, it is hard to imagine the subject did not come up.
President Trump described the call as “very productive,” in a Truth Social post afterwards. He recounted that “among the things discussed were Trade, how our Countries could work together to stop Organized Crime, Sanctions imposed on various Brazilian dignitaries, Tariffs, and various other items.” He referred to their September personal encounter at the United Nations, which he believes “set the stage for very good dialogue and agreement long into the future. I look forward to seeing and speaking with him soon. Much good will come out of this newly formed partnership!”
