The Influence Cycle: JBS, the Batista Brothers, and Today’s Trump-Lula Meeting
By Hotspotnews
Big companies and politicians often help each other. That is exactly what is happening with today’s meeting between President Trump and Brazil’s President Lula on May 7, 2026.
The Batista brothers, Joesley and Wesley, own JBS — one of the world’s biggest meat companies. Years ago in Brazil, during Lula’s and Dilma’s time in power, JBS got billions in cheap loans from government banks. In return, the brothers later admitted they paid bribes to many politicians. They were caught in the big Car Wash scandal, paid huge fines, but kept their company going.
Now the same cycle is playing out in the United States. JBS’s American part (including Pilgrim’s Pride) gave $5 million — the biggest single gift — to Trump’s inauguration committee. At the same time, Joesley Batista helped set up today’s meeting between Trump and Lula. He has met Trump in person and pushed for lower tariffs on Brazilian meat, saying it would help American shoppers pay less.
This is not some secret plot. It is normal for rich business families to trade money and access for favors. Lula is not controlling everything like a puppet master, and Trump is not being bought. Both leaders are practical men who know it makes sense to talk when trade, jobs, and big money are involved.
But here is the important part: even with all the donations and connections, JBS is still under investigation. The Trump Justice Department is looking closely at the big beef companies (called the “Big Four,” including JBS). They control about 85% of U.S. beef processing. Officials worry about high meat prices, possible price-fixing, and having so much U.S. food production controlled by Brazilian owners. The investigation is moving forward anyway.
Today’s meeting will probably be simple and practical:
- Talk about trade and tariffs
- Ways to work together on important minerals (Brazil has a lot of them)
- Fighting big criminal gangs that operate in both countries
There will be photos, nice words, and promises to keep talking. Joesley Batista stays mostly in the background, but he wins by keeping the doors open for his business.
This cycle keeps going because it helps everyone at the top: politicians get money and support, companies get loans and easier rules. Regular people hope it leads to lower prices and safer streets.
The only way to slow it down is through strong rules against unfair business power, clear records of who gives what, and voters who say “no” to crony deals no matter which party is in power.
Today is just one more turn of the wheel. We will see if real benefits come out for ordinary Americans and Brazilians — cheaper food, better supply chains, or real security help. Everything else is just show.