Radical leftist Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva escalated tensions with the United States on Thursday, accusing President Donald Trump of lying about Brazil’s trade record and vowing that his country would not “bow down” to Washington. Lula’s remarks came during an official event in Recife, hours after Trump criticized Brazil’s high tariffs and the ongoing prosecution of conservative former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Trump had told reporters at the Oval Office that Brazil was “one of the worst countries on earth” in terms of trade fairness, charging “tremendous tariffs” while the U.S. charged little in return. He also blasted Lula’s government for what he described as the “political execution” of Bolsonaro, calling the former president “an honest man” and condemning efforts to imprison him.
Lula rejected Trump’s claims, insisting that the U.S. enjoys trade profits with Brazil and labeling Trump’s statements as false. He accused Trump of spreading “lies” and asserted that Brazil’s sovereignty rests solely with its people. Lula also drew parallels between Trump and Bolsonaro, claiming both men cast doubt on election results and would face trial in Brazil for similar actions.
Bolsonaro, who narrowly lost to Lula in Brazil’s contentious 2022 election, is accused of plotting to overturn the results. Brazilian prosecutors allege he played a “central role” in the January 8, 2023, unrest, when his supporters stormed government buildings in Brasília. No fatalities occurred, and Bolsonaro was in the U.S. at the time.
In July, Trump signed an executive order identifying Brazil as a national security threat and imposing 50 percent tariffs on Brazilian imports, citing both unfair trade practices and Bolsonaro’s prosecution. The tariffs took effect in early August. Despite Trump saying Lula could “call anytime,” the Brazilian leader has refused, claiming it would be a humiliation.
