Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said he has “no relationship” with U.S. President Donald Trump, amid growing tensions over the trial of former Brazilian leader Jair Bolsonaro. In a recent interview, Lula spoke openly about the strained ties and trade disputes.

Tariffs Deepen Rift

Lula has often criticized Trump. However, he stressed that countries should still communicate to resolve problems. He called the 50% tariff on Brazilian goods “eminently political.” He warned that the tariffs would hurt Americans. “The American people will pay for the mistakes President Trump is making in his relationship with Brazil,” he said.

No Direct Contact

Moreover, Lula and Trump have never met or spoken directly. Their clashes have occurred through public statements. When asked why he didn’t call Trump, Lula said, “I never tried that call because he never wanted to have a conversation.”

Meanwhile, Trump has said Lula can “call him anytime.” Lula, however, said Trump’s team “do not want to talk.” Lula also revealed that he learned about the tariffs from newspapers. “He didn’t communicate in a civilised manner. He just published them [the tariffs] on his portal – on social media,” he added. In short, he concluded, “There’s no relationship.”

‘He’s Not Emperor of the World’

In contrast, Lula highlighted his strong ties with other global leaders. He mentioned former U.S. presidents, UK prime ministers, the EU, China, Ukraine, and Venezuela. When asked if he had a better relationship with Trump or Putin, he defended his bond with Putin. They “formed it when we had both been presidents in previous times,” he said.

Lula explained, “I don’t have a relationship with Trump because when Trump was elected the first time, I wasn’t president. His relationship is with Bolsonaro, not Brazil.”

Nevertheless, he said he would remain civil at the United Nations General Assembly. “I will greet him because I am a civilised citizen,” he said. However, he emphasized, “He may be president of the United States, but he’s not emperor of the world!”

Bolsonaro’s Trial and Trump’s Defense

Furthermore, tensions increased after Brazil’s Supreme Court sentenced Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison. Lula said Bolsonaro and his allies “hurt the country, attempted a coup, and plotted my death.”

He also criticized Trump for spreading “untruths” and claiming Bolsonaro faced persecution. In addition, Lula argued that if the January 6 Capitol Riots had occurred in Brazil, “Trump would have been put on trial.”

Looking Ahead

Overall, Lula made it clear that Brazil will not be bullied. He expressed openness to dialogue but warned that Trump’s approach could isolate the U.S. in Latin America.