Trump's change of heart on Lula may be thanks to Brazilian beef tycoon

FILE PHOTO: Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reacts while listening to U.S. President Donald Trump's (not pictured) speech at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, in New York City, New York, U.S., September 23, 2025. REUTERS/Al Drago/File Photo

SAO PAULO (Reuters) -A co-owner of Brazilian meatpacking giant JBS met privately with U.S. President Donald Trump about three weeks before Trump extended a surprise olive branch to Brazil's president in his United Nations speech on Tuesday, three people with knowledge of the encounter told Reuters.

That meeting helped pavethe way for Trump to take a more favorable tone towards Lula at the U.N., two of the sources said.