This is nothing new tbh, Trump have been aggressive towards Claudia and Lula da Silva, then in person he seems to enjoy talking with them.

During the 80th United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, President Donald Trump and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had an unexpected encounter that shifted the tone of their previously strained relationship. Despite ongoing tensions regarding U.S. tariffs and legal proceedings against former President Jair Bolsonaro, the interaction was characterized by surprising cordiality. In his speech following a brief backstage encounter, Trump remarked that Lula seemed like a “very nice man,” adding, “He liked me, and I liked him”. He emphasized that he prefers to do business with people he likes.

Following their brief exchange at the UN in September, Trump and Lula held a 45-minute formal meeting on October 26, 2025, to resolve trade disputes. Trump described Lula as a “very vigorous guy” and a “nice man,” stating it was a “great honor” to be with the President of Brazil. “I want to wish the president happy birthday”: Trump asked reporters to convey the message to Lula, mentioning they had just had a “great meeting” in Malaysia.

Trump expressed interest in Lula’s 580 days in prison and praised his ability to make a political comeback. Trump viewed their shared experiences, both having faced significant legal challenges and imprisonment, as a point of personal connection or empathy.