Brazilian President Lula Opposes Trump’s Tariffs, Defends Sovereignty

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva voiced his opposition to potential 50% tariffs by the United States. He argued that such tariffs would be both political and illogical. Lula stated that his government is prepared to negotiate on matters that would benefit both parties. However, he emphasized that Brazil would not compromise its democracy and sovereignty. The tariffs were imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump in July, a move that Lula views against the backdrop of a ‘witch hunt’ against former President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro was accused of illegally holding power. This followed a Supreme Court decision on Thursday, where a panel of justices found that Bolsonaro had attempted a coup after losing the 2022 election to Lula, raising concerns about further actions by the U.S. against Brazil. Lula expressed pride in the Supreme Court’s historical ruling, which protects Brazil’s institutions and democratic rule of law. He noted that the decision followed months of investigation, which revealed a plot to assassinate him, the Vice President, and a Supreme Court justice. President Lula also highlighted that the tariff increases are not only misleading but also illogical, referencing a $410 billion surplus the U.S. has earned over the past 15 years in bilateral trade of goods and services. The comments from President Lula signal that Brazil is prepared for potential restrictions following the Supreme Court’s decision. Following the ruling, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio posted on X that Trump’s government would respond. Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Rubio’s comments as a threat, stating that the country’s judiciary is independent, and Bolsonaro was given the right to due process. Bolsonaro left his home in Brasilia, where he was under house arrest, for medical treatment at a nearby hospital. This was his first public appearance after the ruling on Thursday. He was escorted by police to the DF Star Hospital in the Brazilian capital. Justice Alexandre de Moraes granted a temporary release on September 8. The 70-year-old right-wing politician had been under house arrest since early August, after de Moraes stated that Bolsonaro had violated the precautionary measures imposed on him during the coup trial. He was already wearing an ankle monitor.