Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva openly criticised US President Donald Trump for targeting Brazil’s judiciary. He said that if the January 6 Capitol attack had happened in Brazil, Trump would have faced trial. The Guardian reported his remarks.

Deepening Rift Between the US and Brazil

Meanwhile, Lula’s comments underline one of the deepest diplomatic rifts in decades between Washington and Brasília. Recently, Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports and sanctioned a Supreme Court justice. Analysts believe these moves aim to support far-right former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro faces coup-plotting charges after losing the 2022 election.

Soon, Brazil’s Supreme Court will issue its verdict. If found guilty, Bolsonaro could face up to 40 years in prison. However, Trump has denounced the trial as a “witch-hunt” and called on Brazilian authorities to drop the charges.

Lula Pushes Back Against US Criticism

In addition, the US State Department’s annual report accused Lula’s government of restricting free speech and silencing Bolsonaro supporters, journalists, and elected officials. Lula rejected the claims outright.
“There was really no reason to hit Brazil with tariffs, and nor will we accept being told that we don’t respect human rights here in Brazil,” he said.

Contrasting Approaches to Political Unrest

Furthermore, Lula drew a sharp comparison between Brazil’s and Trump’s handling of political unrest. Brazil has imprisoned 141 people for taking part in the January 8, 2023 riots in Brasília, which prosecutors link to Bolsonaro’s coup attempt. By contrast, Trump granted “full, complete and unconditional” pardons to about 1,500 people involved in the Capitol attack shortly after taking office last year.

Standing Firm Against Pressure

Moreover, Lula urged Brazilians not to yield to Trump’s pressure campaign. He explained that Brazil had tried repeatedly to negotiate before the tariffs were enacted. Yet, Washington never responded. According to Brazilian diplomats, Trump’s inner circle — to which they had no access — made all key decisions.

Brazil Unveils Economic Response

On Wednesday, Brazil’s government launched a much-awaited aid package to offset the tariffs. The plan includes new credit lines for exporters and increased government purchases of goods struggling to find foreign buyers.

Diplomatic Efforts Continue

Earlier, a delegation of Brazilian senators travelled to Washington in late July in a last attempt to ease tensions. Led by Senator Nelsinho Trad, they met business leaders and nine US senators — only one of them Republican, Thom Tillis.
“We found views on Brazil were ideologically charged,” Trad told The AP. “But we made an effort to present economic arguments.”

While the delegation was still in Washington, Trump signed the order for 50% tariffs. However, not all Brazilian exports will be affected. Exemptions include aircraft, aluminium, tin, wood pulp, energy products, and fertilizers. As a result, Trad believes Brazil’s outreach may have softened the blow.
“I think the path has to remain one of dialogue and reason so we can make progress on other fronts,” he said.