Lula responds to Trump: “If he charges us 50, we’ll charge them 50”

In an interview given this Thursday (10) to Record, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) commented on the tariff hike announced by American President Donald Trump against Brazil. In a confrontational tone, the PT member declared that "if he charges 50% from us, we will charge 50% from them", commenting on the trade war.

Lula stated that relations between Brazil and the United States have remained friendly for 201 years. He also said that Brazil is a peaceful nation that "does not enter into conflict with other countries." However, he adopted a critical tone when commenting on Trump's stance.

According to him, "if what Trump did at the Capitol had been done here in Brazil, he would be being prosecuted like Bolsonaro and risking arrest." The statement refers to the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021. At the time, Trump supporters protested the results of the US election, which they considered rigged.

Lula talks about the Supreme Federal Court and national sovereignty

Lula also responded to criticism of human rights violations committed by Brazilian authorities, especially in the Supreme Federal Court. He stated that Brazil is sovereign and that "anyone who wants to do business in Brazil must respect Brazilian laws."

According to the Workers' Party member, "the United States must respect Brazilian sovereignty and justice, just as I respect American justice." The statement comes in response to allegations made by Republican congressmen about censorship of Brazilian citizens, including abroad.

Lula also denied interference in the judiciary. He said the Supreme Federal Court (STF) acts independently and that his government respects this autonomy.

When discussing the trade balance between the two countries, Lula stated that the US has benefited most. He believes Trump is using protectionist measures not only against Brazil, but against the entire world.

Lula accuses Bolsonaro of the tariff hike

The Workers' Party member also blamed former President Jair Bolsonaro and his son, Eduardo Bolsonaro (PL-SP), for the tariff hike. According to Lula, it was the congressman's influence over Donald Trump that convinced the American president to impose taxes on Brazil.

The president also said that if Bolsonaro is found guilty in court proceedings, he will be convicted, "because that's how Brazil works." Despite this, Lula assured that he will not interfere in the Supreme Court's decisions. According to the Workers' Party member, the judiciary is autonomous, and he respects the separation of powers.

Critically, the Workers' Party member also accused Trump of overstepping his mandate: "He wasn't elected to be the world's sheriff; he was elected to be president of the United States." He also sent a direct message to the American president: "Here, we Brazilians are in charge."

Confronting the trade war

When asked about the Itamaraty negotiators, Lula avoided details. He stated that the ambassadors were already in talks with the US and suggested contacting the World Trade Organization (WTO) to challenge the tariff hike. "If that doesn't work, we'll seek reciprocity," he emphasized.

Lula stated that trade with the US represents only 1.7% of Brazil's GDP. Therefore, he announced that the country will seek new trading partners, especially in Asia. A meeting with Asian leaders is already scheduled for October.

Finally, Lula announced the creation of a committee that will include Brazilian business leaders to monitor the next steps in the trade war. He concluded by saying he wants President Trump to respect Brazil, just as he wants Americans to "improve their lives" and "live democratically."