Trump and Lula Hold ‘Positive’ Call on Tariffs, Trade, and Economic Cooperation

President Donald J. Trump announced Monday that he had a “positive” and constructive phone call with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva — a conversation signaling a potential thaw in U.S.-Brazil economic relations.

According to statements from both governments, President Lula urged Trump to lift the 40% tariffs currently imposed on key Brazilian exports and ease restrictions placed on local governments. The two leaders reportedly spoke for 30 minutes and agreed to meet “soon” in person. Officials described the call as cordial and forward-looking.

Lula proposed that their meeting take place during the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, though he also indicated he would be willing to travel to the United States. Brazil’s government confirmed that both presidents exchanged personal contact numbers to maintain direct communication.

Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad characterized the exchange as “positive,” while Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira were also present during the call.

President Trump, who has previously spoken warmly of Lula following their brief encounter at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, said the two leaders share “excellent chemistry.”

Brazilian markets have closely followed developments between Washington and Brasília, as Brazil has faced some of the world’s steepest export duties. Initially set at 10%, Trump later raised tariffs to 40% on select goods, bringing the total rate to 50%.

The President defended the move as a proportional response to what he described as a “witch hunt” against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a close ally of the United States. Bolsonaro was later sentenced to 27 years in prison for allegedly attempting to remain in power following his 2022 election loss to Lula.

The Trump administration previously invoked the Magnitsky Act to sanction Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversaw Bolsonaro’s trial, and revoked U.S. visas for several high-ranking officials, including Solicitor-General Jorge Messias.

In a speech at the U.N. last month, Lula criticized what he called “arbitrary, one-sided actions” targeting Brazil’s institutions and economy — though he did not directly name Trump.

Democrats in Disarray as Support Collapses to Record Low

While President Trump strengthens international partnerships, Democrats continue to unravel at home.

A new Quinnipiac University poll shows that a majority of Democrats — 53% — disapprove of their own congressional leadership. Only 41% express satisfaction with their party’s direction. Among all voters, approval of congressional Democrats has cratered to just 21%, matching a record low since the university began tracking the metric in 2009.

By contrast, 79% of Republicans approve of the GOP’s performance in Congress.

The Democratic collapse follows a series of electoral setbacks. Republicans now control the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives, solidifying their dominance since President Trump’s re-election. The GOP also made unprecedented gains among black, Hispanic, and young voters — long considered Democratic strongholds.

Democrats have grown increasingly divided in response to Trump’s bold second-term agenda, with left-wing activists demanding more aggressive opposition from party leaders. Internal frustration and infighting have only deepened as the party’s favorability continues to hit historic lows.

The result: a party adrift, losing influence both at home and abroad, while the Trump administration continues to project strength and stability on the world stage.