Trump has threatened 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods, effective August 1st.
The US president stated the tariffs would remain until legal charges against former conservative Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro were dropped.
Bolsonaro faces trial over allegations of involvement in a coup attempt following the 2022 presidential election loss to Lula. Bolsonaro denies these allegations.
Lula labels Brazilian politicians who support Trump as ‘traitors’
Lula called the tariff threat from Trump “unacceptable blackmail.” He emphasized that attempting to interfere in Brazilian justice is a “grave attack on national sovereignty.”
Lula described Brazilian politicians who support Trump’s policies as ‘traitors to the homeland.’
“No foreigner is going to dictate to this president,” Lula said, using the word “gringo” to refer to Trump. The term “gringo” is commonly used by Brazilians to refer to foreigners, without any offense.
In an earlier interview with CNN, Lula denied that the proceedings against Bolsonaro are politically motivated. “The judiciary branch of power in Brazil is independent. The president of the Republic has no influence whatsoever,” he stated.
While Lula has criticized Trump, he has stressed his desire for a “good relationship” with the US president.
Trump posts sympathy letter to Bolsonaro
Lula’s condemnation of Trump follows the US president’s sympathy letter on social media aimed at Bolsonaro.
“I have seen the terrible treatment you are receiving at the hands of an unjust system turned against you,” Trump said in his letter to Bolsonaro. “I have strongly voiced my disapproval both publicly and through our tariff policy.”
Trump also referenced the suspension of the conservative video platform Rumble in Brazil, asserting that Brazil is cracking down on free speech.
As Trump criticizes the legal proceedings against Bolsonaro, The Washington Post reported that the Trump administration is considering sanctions against a key Brazilian Supreme Court judge.
Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes will decide on whether Bolsonaro and his co-defendants face decades-long jail sentences over the coup charges. The Washington Post stated that Bolsonaro’s son, Eduardo, is working with US officials to impose sanctions on Moraes.
The dispute between the US and Brazil precedes Brazilian presidential elections next year. Lula has hinted at a potential 2026 presidential run, possibly emphasizing a message of Brazilian sovereignty amid his campaign if the feud with Trump extends into next year.
Edited by: Dmytro Hubenko
