Trump met with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the White House on Thursday but left reporters hanging after never turning up to a press conference later on
US President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held talks at the White House on Thursday focused on trade and the broader economic relationship between their countries – but the expected public appearance afterward never took place.
Reporters had been waiting for hours for Trump and Lula to address the media following the meeting. Instead, journalists realised the talks were over only when Lula’s motorcade was seen leaving the White House.
Trump later wrote on Truth Social that discussions with Lula “went very well,” saying the two leaders talked about trade and tariffs, but he did not release further details.
The White House has also not provided additional information about the meeting.
Brazilian ministers later briefed reporters at the country’s embassy in Washington, where they described the three-hour conversation as “very well,” positive and productive.
According to the ministers, officials from both governments are expected to continue negotiations in the coming weeks aimed at removing US tariffs on Brazilian goods.
Lula later spoke briefly to journalists in Portuguese, saying he and Trump discussed forming a transnational task force to fight organised crime and drug trafficking.
He also said Brazil is prepared to open up investment opportunities tied to its rare earth mineral reserves to countries interested in developing them – an issue that could become sensitive in dealings with Trump.
Asked whether Trump could play a role in Brazil’s upcoming elections, Lula responded: “I don’t think Trump will have any influence.”
Trump has long maintained close ties with Lula’s predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, and actively supported Bolsonaro’s unsuccessful re-election campaign.
Bolsonaro is currently serving a prison sentence after attempting to overturn the election result and stay in power.
It comes after Trump sparked fresh health fears while speaking at an event at the White House on Wednesday as both of his hands were pictured smothered in make-up.
Social media critics were quick to say that Trump “doesn’t have much longer left” and that the US President is “rotting away”. Both of Trump’s hands were very off-colour at the event and covered in foundation or concealer.
The 79-year-old leader appeared alongside First Lady Melania Trump to honour military mum’s ahead of Mother’s Day.
But all people could look at and talk about was the state of the President and questioning just how long he potentially has left. “Extremely swollen,” someone wrote on X, while another added: “He is rotting away”.
Referring to the President’s right hand, one X user said: “they missed a spot or the skin is rotting”.