Trump and Lula Plan Post-UN Meeting Amid Shifting US-Brazil Ties

At the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and U.S. President Donald Trump had a brief, unexpected encounter that signaled a potential thaw in U.S.-Brazil relations. Lula, who opened the assembly with a speech emphasizing multilateralism and criticizing unilateral sanctions and interventions, was watched by Trump before the U.S. president delivered his own address. Following their exchange, Trump announced plans to meet with Lula the following week, describing the Brazilian leader as a "good guy" and noting "excellent chemistry" during their brief interaction. This marked a significant shift given the prior months of tension and rhetoric between the two leaders. Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira later indicated the meeting could take place via phone or video call due to Lula's busy schedule. The encounter, lasting only seconds, was seen as a hopeful sign for improving bilateral relations between the largest democracies in the Americas.