Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Thursday fiercely condemned former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat to impose a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian imports, labeling it “unacceptable blackmail.” Speaking during a nationally televised address, Lula expressed outrage over what he described as political intimidation from the United States targeting Latin America’s largest economy.
Trump, in a July 9 announcement, declared his intention to levy the steep tariffs on all Brazilian products starting August 1. The move, according to Trump, is in response to what he called a “witch hunt” against his ally and Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently facing trial for allegedly plotting a coup following his narrow 2022 election defeat to Lula. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face up to 40 years in prison.
The announcement escalated an already tense atmosphere between Brasília and Washington. Trump’s administration has also launched an investigation into what it claims are “unfair trading practices” by Brazil—an allegation that the Lula government has committed to address through negotiation.
In his address, Lula didn’t mince words, branding Brazilian politicians who support Trump’s tariff threats as “traitors to the homeland.” Despite his strong tone, the leftist leader reaffirmed his commitment to diplomacy, stating, “Brazil has only one owner: the Brazilian people,” and that his administration would continue to prioritize healthy commercial and diplomatic relations.
Earlier in the day, Trump posted a personal letter to Bolsonaro on his Truth Social platform. In the letter, Trump called on Lula’s government to “change course” and “stop attacking” Bolsonaro. “I have seen the terrible treatment you are receiving at the hands of an unjust system turned against you,” Trump wrote, while justifying his tariff policy as a vocal protest against what he perceives as political persecution.
Trump also expressed concern over “attacks on free speech,” pointing to Brazil’s suspension of the conservative video-sharing platform Rumble for failing to block a user accused of spreading disinformation. Though not naming it directly, Trump’s comments suggested parallels with similar issues he claims are happening in the U.S.
Lula’s response to Trump’s pressure has gained him increased domestic support. He has framed the U.S. threats as foreign interference in Brazil’s sovereign affairs, calling for national unity in the face of external political influence.
Unlike previous U.S. tariffs, which often targeted economic competitors or trade rule violations, Trump’s measures against Brazil were announced in overtly political terms—fueling accusations of international overreach. Notably, Brazil had not previously been listed among the countries subject to additional tariffs beyond the standard 10 percent threshold.
The Brazilian government, expressing “indignation” over the potential tariffs, has issued formal complaints in letters addressed to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The letters requested clarity on the specific concerns prompting the investigation and stressed Brazil’s openness to resolving disputes through established diplomatic channels.
As the August 1 deadline looms, the possibility of a full-scale trade conflict now hangs in the balance—one that could reshape U.S.-Brazil relations for years to come.
