In a significant diplomatic development, U.S. President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held a cordial and constructive phone conversation on Monday, marking a potential thaw in relations strained by trade tensions. The discussion centered on Brazil’s request to reduce a 50% U.S. tariff imposed on certain Brazilian imports, a measure introduced earlier this year in response to the trial of Lula’s predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, over alleged coup-plotting. During the call, Lula urged Trump to lower tariffs to their original 10% and lift sanctions on some Brazilian officials. Trump described the conversation as “very good” on his Truth Social platform, emphasizing discussions on trade and economic ties. Both leaders expressed optimism about future engagements, with Lula inviting Trump to the upcoming UN climate summit in Belém, Brazil, and suggesting meetings during the ASEAN summit in Malaysia. Trump appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to lead negotiations with Brazil, a decision reportedly under review by Lula’s team due to Rubio’s perceived ideological alignment with Trump. Despite this, Brazilian officials acknowledged the advantage of having a negotiator directly linked to the U.S. president. The call, lasting half an hour, was characterized by both sides as friendly, with Lula emphasizing the importance of restoring relations between the two largest Western democracies.