Trump Holds Private Meeting With Brazil's Lula

Did Trump assert dominance over Lula in their meeting or did Brazil's president hold the upper hand?

5 days ago·Updated 4 days ago

Trump Holds Private Meeting With Brazil's Lula

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Above: Brazilian reporters wait in the White House briefing room in Washington, D.C., on May 7, 2026. Image credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-Trump narrative

President Trump, who has reestablished American dominance in South America, particularly against radical left-wing tyrants like Lula, must have shown serious force during the meeting, which is likely why Lula reportedly didn't want it to be public. Given Trump's past statements and actions, he likely put Lula in his place regarding Lula's poor treatment of conservative former president Jair Bolsonaro.

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Anti-Trump narrative

Based on Trump's inaction regarding Bolsonaro so far, one can only hope he took a hard stance in this meeting. The U.S. president has so far betrayed his supporters, both in America and abroad, on every other issue, so it remains to be seen. He also lost the tariff battle with Lula only months after it began, so it's unlikely Lula felt uniquely vulnerable heading into this meeting.

American Conservative

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