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Trump praised Lula during meeting with Flávio Bolsonaro at White House

10 sources · 28 May 2026 · Share coverage ·

verbatim from the press

US President Donald Trump praised Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during a meeting with Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) at the White House on Tuesday (26). According to businessman Paulo Figueiredo, who participated in the encounter, Trump "commented on the meeting with President Lula" and "praised his dynamism," repeating the same terms used publicly after receiving Lula in May.

Press quotes (1)
Estado de Minas

"O presidente Trump comentou, sim, sobre o encontro com o presidente Lula. Elogiou seu dinamismo, mas também fez outros comentários que prefiro manter reservados"

Flávio Bolsonaro asked Trump to classify criminal factions PCC (First Capital Command) and Red Command as terrorist organizations. The American president responded that he was still "analyzing the issue" and made no promises, according to meeting reports. The Lula government opposes the classification, assessing that the measure would open margin for American interventions in Brazilian territory.

Press quotes (1)
Estado de Minas

"Flávio afirmou que o principal motivo para a reunião foi para pedir que o republicano designe as facções criminosas, CV e PCC, como terroristas. Ao tratar do assunto com Trump, ele disse que ainda estava analisando a questão e não fez promessas ao senador."

The following day, Flávio met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. With Vance, he discussed issues about freedom of expression in Brazil, including recent decrees about big techs. Flávio's agenda occurs amid a political crisis after he acknowledged asking for money from banker Daniel Vorcaro, former owner of Banco Master, to finance a film about his father.

Press quotes (1)
Money Times

"O senador e pré-candidato à Presidência Flávio Bolsonaro disse que se reuniu com o vice-presidente dos EUA, JD Vance, e com o secretário de Estado, Marco Rubio, em Washington nesta quarta-feira"

Trump also showed interest in Jair Bolsonaro's judicial situation, asking about the conditions of the former president's house arrest, convicted for planning a coup d'état. Figueiredo reported that Trump "was very impressed with the persecution" and questioned about Bolsonaro's health. The meeting was not on the White House's official agenda and was arranged by Flávio's entourage.

Press quotes (1)
Correio do Povo

"(Trump) ficou muito impressionado com a perseguição. Perguntou da prisão (de Bolsonaro), como era, e da saúde", relatou o comunicador bolsonarista."

1. What we know (2)

Trump praised Lula's "dynamism" during the meeting with Flávio Bolsonaro

4 sources Estado de Minas NSC Total Correio do Povo G1

Flávio asked for the classification of PCC and CV as terrorist organizations

5 sources A Gazeta Estado de Minas Gazeta do Povo G1 iG
2. Where coverage thins out (3)

Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.

Covered by only some sources (2)

Trump gifted Flávio with a 'challenge coin' (traditional US military coin)

Reported by: Estado de Minas NSC Total

Flávio's entourage tried to deliver personalized Brazilian soccer jerseys for Trump and family, but the gifts were retained for inspection

Conflicting versions (1)

Duration of meeting between Trump and Flávio Bolsonaro

1 source — "The meeting lasted about one hour": Correio do Povo
2 sources — "The entourage remained one hour and 40 minutes at the White House": Estado de Minas Correio do Povo
1 source — "Flávio could not specify the exact time of the meeting": Estado de Minas
3. What we don't know yet (3)
  • What is the specific content of the "other comments" Trump made about Lula beyond praising his dynamism?

    Why it's still unknown: Paulo Figueiredo said he prefers to keep those comments "reserved"

  • What is the Trump government's definitive position on classifying PCC and CV as terrorist organizations?

    Why it's still unknown: Trump only said he was still "analyzing" the issue, without making commitments

  • Why was the meeting not on the White House's official agenda?

    Why it's still unknown: Sources did not explain the reasons for secrecy in the American presidential agenda

    Did not cover: A Gazeta Money Times iG

All sources

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