Brazilian journalists were notified at the last minute that they could enter; had to face a “wall” formed by White House staff
The meeting of the presidents (PT) and (Republican Party) on Sunday (October 26, 2025) was marked by jostling between journalists and confusion with the North American leader’s team.
The meeting was only officially confirmed on the same day, but the Brazilian press knew that it was practically certain that Lula and Trump would meet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sunday (Oct 26). Still, diplomats said the meeting might not happen.
When the official confirmation came, the question arose as to whether or not it would be open to the press. Until the last moment, Brazilian journalists did not know if they could enter or in which room of the convention center where the (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) meeting would take place.
When it was confirmed that journalists would be present at the beginning of the meeting, the Brazilians rushed to the designated location. At the door to the room, there was confusion. The American press was already at the entrance, which was controlled by the White House team.
Those present heard: “American press first” (North American press 1st, in Portuguese). Planalto’s advisors then took action and did not accept the discrimination. After a brief confrontation with the staff North American, journalists began to enter the room.
It was then that a rush and push began until everyone entered and got into position. In the room, Lula, Trump and the Brazilian and US delegations were already seated.
And the 2 presidents spoke to journalists for almost 9 minutes. Lula said he had a “extensive list” of topics to discuss, which he took in writing and in English to deliver to Trump. The North American praised Brazil and stated that a solution to tariffs should be negotiated soon.
After a series of questions from journalists, almost all of them aimed at Trump, Lula asked for the meeting to begin so that the two could discuss more topics. The PT member was visibly uncomfortable. I wanted to start the meeting right away.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira, told journalists that Lula asked the STF (Supreme Federal Court) minister Alexandre de Moraes and his wife to revoke the tariff and the application of the Magnitsky Law.
According to the chancellor, “in weeks” there should be some conclusion from the pricing negotiations.
“The conclusion is that the meeting was very positive. We hope in a short time now, in a few weeks, to conclude a bilateral negotiation that deals with each of the sectors of current North American taxation”these.
Vieira stated that the 2 presidents had a conversation “very relaxed and very cheerful”. At the meeting, Lula and Trump agreed that they would carry out reciprocal visits, but no dates have yet been set.
The executive secretary of Mdic (Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Service), Márcio Elias Rosa, stated that, during the conversation, Lula made a point of clarifying that the motivation used by the United States to promote a global tariff does not apply to Brazil, since the trade balance between Brazil and the USA is favorable to the North Americans.
Watch Lula and Trump’s statement to journalists (8min47s):
Read more about the Lula-Trump meeting:
