“I’ll Talk to Modi and Jinping, Not Trump”: Brazilian President Lula Slams US Tariffs, Rejects Dialogue with Trump

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In a fiery statement, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva strongly criticized former US President Donald Trump, stating he has no interest in discussing the recently imposed 50% tariffs on Brazil with Trump. Instead, Lula said he would prioritize talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Calling the tariff move an attack on Brazil’s sovereignty and judiciary, Lula accused the US of using economic dominance to interfere in Brazil’s internal matters. Trump had earlier criticized the ongoing legal action against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, calling it a politically motivated move. Bolsonaro is currently facing trial over alleged coup attempts following his 2022 electoral defeat.

Trump had said that Brazil was heading in the wrong direction but offered to discuss matters if Brazil initiated contact. Lula rejected the offer outright, stating, “I won’t call Trump because he’s not interested in real dialogue. I’ll call Jinping, I’ll call Modi, but not Trump.”

Lula further emphasized that Brazil will defend its interests on international platforms like the World Trade Organization (WTO). He noted Brazil's focus on strengthening foreign trade and promoting domestic industries, and reaffirmed the country's intent to deepen trade partnerships with BRICS nations, especially India and China—targets of frequent criticism from Trump regarding global dollar devaluation.

Despite his clear frustration, Lula stated he would still invite Trump to the COP30 UN Climate Summit to be held in Belém, Brazil, this November. “I’ll make the courtesy call to invite him and hear his views on climate,” Lula said.

The US has accused Brazil of crushing electoral freedom and free speech, and has criticized Brazil’s strict regulations on American social media companies. Lula dismissed these allegations, asserting, “Brazil is a sovereign nation. If the US imposes tariffs, Brazil will retaliate. Trump’s policies are nothing but blackmail—and we will not bow down.”