Brazil's Lula Denounces Trump's Leadership and Tariffs in BBC Interview

Wed Oct 22 2025 02:55:32 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a recent BBC interview, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated he has no relationship with Donald Trump, criticizing the U.S. leader's tariffs on Brazilian goods as unjust and politically motivated.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva unequivocally expressed to the BBC that he has no relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump. Lula condemned Trump's recent imposition of tariffs on Brazilian exports, asserting that they stem from political motives linked to the U.S.'s internal dynamics, particularly regarding Lula's predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro. He emphasized the impact of these tariffs will inevitably raise prices for U.S. consumers. Lula’s remarks highlight the deterioration of diplomacy between Brazil and the U.S., contrasting it with his relationships with other global leaders. He also touched upon his plans ahead of the upcoming COP30 climate summit amidst domestic criticism over oil drilling near the Amazon.

Brazil's Lula Denounces Trump's Leadership and Tariffs in BBC Interview

Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has told the BBC in an exclusive interview that he has no relationship with US President Donald Trump. Lula has frequently criticised Trump, but this is the clearest signal yet that he thinks communication between him and his US counterpart is now broken.

The U.S. has a trade surplus with Brazil, yet Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods in July, which Lula described as eminently political actions tied to the tumultuous legacy of Bolsonaro's presidency. He noted that due to these tariffs, U.S. consumers would face higher prices on essential Brazilian exports like coffee and beef, stressing that The American people will pay for the mistakes President Trump is incurring in his relationship with Brazil.

Highlighting the breakdown in diplomatic relations, Lula indicated that the two leaders have never communicated directly, explaining, I never tried that call because he never wanted to have a conversation. Trump has previously mentioned that Lula could call him anytime, yet Lula asserted that members of the Trump Administration have shown no interest in establishing dialogue.

In a pointed critique, Lula referred to Trump's communication style as uncivilised, emphasizing that he learned about the tariffs from Brazilian media rather than through any form of direct contact. When asked about the current status of their relationship, he firmly stated, There's no relationship.

'He's not emperor of the world!'

Lula expressed that his poor relation with Trump is an anomaly, citing positive connections with other global leaders. He also addressed his meeting with Putin in Russia, noting that his relationship with the Russian President is a remnant of their previous terms. He highlighted, 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.

If he encounters Trump at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, Lula stated he would greet him out of civility but reminded that he's not emperor of the world! A request for comment was made to the White House regarding Lula's criticism but no response had been received at the time of publication.

Lula also commented on Jair Bolsonaro’s recent coup conviction, asserting that his predecessor and his conspirators have harmed Brazil. He criticized Trump for perpetuating falsehoods about Bolsonaro's situation, asserting that if the January 6 Capitol riots had occurred in Brazil, Trump would have faced treason charges.

In addition to his criticisms of Trump and Bolsonaro, Lula discussed his forthcoming role hosting the COP30 climate summit, amidst ongoing debates regarding Brazil's oil exploration near the Amazon. Despite opposition from environmentalists, Lula defended the necessity of energy security while expressing a commitment to sustainable practices.

As Lula considers running for re-election in 2026, he faces a complex political landscape characterized by criticisms of his stance on fossil fuels juxtaposed against his legacy of addressing poverty and improving employment. Overall, his comments underscore the significant geopolitical tensions and the changing dynamics with major global powers.