Donald Trump told Brazil's president 'I love you' during a bizarre 40-minute call ahead of today's crucial meeting, it has been claimed. The Republican is said to have ended his conversation with Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva with the gushing remark after telling him that he admired the politician's career, admitting he had spent time researching the 80-year-old Brazilian's life.
Trump and Lula Set for White House Talks
Trump is set to host President Lula at the White House on Thursday, where they will hold talks on crime, tariffs, and other economic issues. The two leaders have had a strained relationship since Trump began his second term in office. America previously imposed a 40 per cent tariff on all Brazilian goods amid a trade dispute, while US President Trump caused controversy when he wrote a letter to his counterpart saying that criminal charges against far-right former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro should be dropped.
Charm Offensive Ahead of Meeting
Trump went on a charm offensive ahead of the visit, and the pair spoke at length in a phone call days before they were to sit down for talks. During their conversation on Friday, Mr Lula reportedly stated that he wanted issues related to international conflicts, and the role of the United Nations, ironed out. According to Brazilian publication GloboNews, President Trump ended the call informally, saying 'I love you' to his fellow politician.
Last year, Trump cited the Bolsonaro situation as one of the factors in his decision to increase tariffs on the country. The pair met at the United Nations General Assembly in New York back in September where he described him as 'a very nice man,' and stated that they shared an 'excellent chemistry.'
Brazilian Officials Optimistic
Brazilian Finance Minister Dario Durigan told state broadcaster EBC on Wednesday: 'We are preparing to engage with Trump in a constructive manner. I'm very optimistic about this conversation.' One of the topics high on the Brazilian negotiators' agenda is big tech, rare earths and critical minerals. Last year, Trump said levies were imposed due 'in part to Brazil's insidious attacks on Free Elections, and the fundamental Free Speech Rights of Americans.' President Lula fired back, saying new tariffs would be met with reciprocal measures.
Broader Context: Iran Threats
The meeting comes as the US President ramped up fears of full-scale war returning to the Middle East, threatening the bombs will 'restart' if a deal is not struck. Mr Trump re-issued his threat hours after pausing his Project Freedom bid to free hundreds of ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz by the Iranian blockade. He warned: 'If they don't agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before.'
The Navy section of Iran's shadowy Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed 'safe and stable' passageway through the strait will be 'ensured.' It continued that the 'aggressor's threats were neutralised' — referring to the pause in 'Project Freedom.' Mr Trump's warning came a day after his Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the offensive stage of the Iran war was now 'over.'
