Brazil's President Rebukes Trump’s Tariff: "Democracy Not for Sale!"

Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has delivered a sharp rebuke to U.S. President Donald Trump's recent imposition of a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports. Labeling the move as both "political" and "illogical," Lula emphasized that while his administration remains open to trade negotiations that benefit both nations, Brazil's sovereignty and democratic principles are firmly off-limits.

The tariffs, enacted in July 2025, were justified by Trump as a response to what he described as a "witch hunt" against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro, a staunch ally of Trump, faced serious allegations of plotting to unlawfully retain power following his 2022 election loss to Lula. The tension reached a boiling point on Thursday when Brazil's Supreme Court panel convicted Bolsonaro of attempting a coup, a ruling that Lula hailed as a "historic decision" that upholds the rule of law and protects the country's institutions.

"This ruling came after exhaustive investigations revealing plots to assassinate me, the vice president, and a Supreme Court justice," Lula wrote, underscoring the gravity of the threats uncovered. He further argued that the U.S. tariffs make no economic sense, pointing to the staggering $410 billion trade surplus the United States has enjoyed with Brazil over the last 15 years in goods and services.

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The op-ed signals Brazil's readiness to counter potential escalation from the U.S. following the court's verdict. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio amplified concerns by posting on X that the Trump administration "will respond accordingly," prompting a swift retort from Brazil's Foreign Ministry. They dismissed Rubio's statement as an "inappropriate threat," affirming the independence of Brazil's judiciary and ensuring that Bolsonaro received full due process.

Amid the diplomatic fray, Bolsonaro himself made a rare public sighting on Sunday. Under house arrest since early August for breaching court-imposed restrictions during his coup trial, the 70-year-old ex-leader was temporarily released to undergo medical treatment at DF Star Hospital in Brasília. Escorted by police and wearing an ankle monitor, Bolsonaro had eight skin lesions removed for analysis, a procedure authorized by Justice Alexandre de Moraes on September 8.

Doctors confirmed his discharge later that day, but the event was not without drama. Bolsonaro's son, Carlos, vented frustration on social media about the heavy police presence, calling it "the biggest circus in Brazilian history" and decrying the armed convoy as an attempt to humiliate his father. Supporters gathered outside the hospital, chanting "Amnesty now!" in a nod to ongoing efforts by Bolsonaro's congressional allies to pardon the former president.

One supporter, Deusélis Filho, 46, president of the pro-Bolsonaro group Influencers of Brazil, explained their vigil: "We're here to provide spiritual and psychological support during this challenging time."

The Supreme Court's decision doesn't spell immediate incarceration for Bolsonaro. The panel has up to 60 days to formalize the ruling, after which his legal team has five days to request clarifications. They plan to appeal the conviction and sentence to the full 11-justice Supreme Court, though legal analysts doubt the appeal's success.

As bilateral relations strain under the weight of politics and trade, Lula's firm stance highlights Brazil's commitment to defending its democratic processes against external interference. The coming weeks could see intensified negotiations—or further retaliatory measures—as both leaders navigate this high-stakes impasse.

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