Brasilia (TDI): In a phone call on Tuesday, Brazil’s President Lula and US President Trump pledged to deepen cooperation in the fight against organized crime, signaling a renewed trans-Atlantic effort to tackle cross-border criminal networks.
Lula reached out to Trump shortly after their first official meeting in October, which marked a turning point toward improved relations between Brasília and Washington after a period of strained ties.
The call came amid heightened tensions over a series of US strikes on suspected drug-trafficking groups near Venezuela’s coast, operations that have left at least 83 people dead since early September.
The 40-minute conversation, described by both sides as “very productive,” focused on enhancing joint efforts to disrupt criminal organizations operating across borders, from drug and human-trafficking rings to money-laundering and illicit finance networks.
Brazil’s finance minister recently announced that the government is looking to work more closely with the United States to curb organized crime in the fuel sector.
This followed a police investigation that uncovered money-laundering schemes involving Delaware-registered companies linked to one of Brazil’s biggest tax evaders.
Read More: Trump imposes tariffs on Brazilian ethanol imports
During the discussion, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in combating transnational criminal networks, including drug cartels and arms traffickers that operate across borders in the region.
The statement added that Lula highlighted the need for Brazil and the United States to step up joint efforts against transnational criminal networks.
Trump, for his part, assured Lula of Washington’s full support and said the US was ready to work closely with Brazil on coordinated actions to dismantle such groups.
It remains unclear whether the two leaders discussed the escalating tensions between US and Venezuela. Lula had earlier said on November 23 that he planned to speak with Trump about the crisis, noting that “finding a solution before things escalate is essential.
The Brazilian government said the renewed engagement signals a shared recognition that organized crime poses a growing threat to regional stability and requires coordinated action.
President Lula welcomed the US decision earlier this month to lift additional tariffs on Brazilian agricultural exports, including coffee, beef, and fruits, calling the move a “positive step” and expressing hope that further trade discussions will continue.
Read More: Brazil Joins South Africa’s ICJ Case Against Israel Over Genocide in Gaza
But beyond trade, the leaders agreed that stabilizing security and suppressing transnational crime would now be a priority.
Trump reportedly expressed “full willingness” to work with Brazil’s law enforcement and intelligence agencies, promising support for joint operations and intelligence-sharing.
Lula later wrote on social media that he had emphasized the need to urgently deepen cooperation with the United States to fight international organized crime.
He added that Trump expressed a strong willingness to work closely with Brazil and promised full U.S. backing for joint efforts to dismantle criminal networks.
Trump, in a post on Truth Social, noted that their latest call built on the conversation they began in September during their meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
He said that the meeting laid the groundwork for “a positive, long-term dialogue and cooperation” between the two leaders.
Minahil Khurshid
Minahil Khurshid is currently pursuing a Masters in Peace and Conflict Studies at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST). She has a keen interest in current affairs, public policy, and geopolitics.
