Wallace Palhares, president of the Acadêmicos de Niterói samba school, which paid tribute to President Lula during this year's Carnival parade, was received at the Planalto Palace on two occasions, specifically on October 2 and October 16, 2025. The visits were arranged by the Minister of Institutional Relations, Gleisi Hoffmann. The timing of these meetings has raised eyebrows given their proximity to the parade, which took place on February 15, 2026.

Simultaneously, the First Lady, Janja, also visited the samba school twice, with the first visit occurring on October 6, 2025. The school announced its Carnival theme, "Lula, the Worker of Brazil," shortly after, on October 21, adding to the speculation about the government's involvement in supporting cultural representations linked to the current administration. Janja's visit was marked by her accompaniment of ministers in a ceremony linked to Brazil's environmental initiatives.

The connections between political leaders and cultural representations through events like Carnival highlight the intertwined nature of politics and culture in Brazil, especially with the current government's agenda. As the administration seeks to enhance its image and promote Brazilian culture, such interactions may suggest a strategy to solidify support among popular institutions, reflecting how the Carnival remains a vibrant platform for political expression in the country.