Lula Defends Brazil’s Sovereignty, Denounces Trump’s Tariff Threat

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has spoken out against the possibility of the United States imposing 50% tariffs, arguing that the move is politically driven and lacks any rational justification. Lula affirmed his government’s readiness for negotiations aimed at mutual prosperity but was resolute in his stance that Brazil would not yield on its democratic values and its national sovereignty. The context for these remarks is the tariffs previously implemented by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which Lula sees as a part of a broader ‘witch hunt’ against former President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro has been the subject of accusations pertaining to his conduct while in power. The Supreme Court’s recent ruling, which determined that Bolsonaro attempted to stage a coup following his defeat by Lula in the 2022 election, has intensified concerns about potential further actions from the United States. Lula acknowledged the significance of the Supreme Court’s historic ruling, highlighting its role in safeguarding Brazil’s institutions and the rule of law. The ruling came after months of investigation and exposed a plan to assassinate Lula, the Vice President, and a Supreme Court justice. President Lula also highlighted the misguided and illogical nature of the tariff increases, citing the $410 billion trade surplus the U.S. has generated from bilateral trade over the past 15 years. Lula’s statements suggest that Brazil anticipates additional potential restrictions in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision. Following the court’s ruling, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio posted on X that Trump’s administration would respond. Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Rubio’s comments as threatening, emphasizing the independence of the Brazilian judiciary and that Bolsonaro had been afforded due process. Bolsonaro, who had been under house arrest, was observed leaving his residence in Brasilia for a medical checkup at a local hospital, marking his first public appearance since the court’s decision. He was taken under police escort to the DF Star Hospital in Brasilia. Justice Alexandre de Moraes had issued a temporary release on September 8. The 70-year-old right-wing politician had been under house arrest since August after de Moraes ruled that he had breached the preventative measures imposed during the coup trial. He was also subject to electronic monitoring with an ankle bracelet.