Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva rejects U.S. President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods, condemns foreign interference, and pledges to defend Brazil’s sovereignty and economic interests with dignity.

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On July 17, 2025, at the 60th Congress of the National Student Union (Conune) in Goiânia, Brazil, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva delivered a staunch denunciation of the United States and former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

The heated remarks came amidst the imposition of a 50% tariff by the U.S. on Brazilian exports, a move Lula categorically described as unjust and politically motivated. His speech signaled a decisive shift toward defending Brazil’s sovereignty in the face of economic aggression from Washington.

During his speech, Lula firmly stated:

“No gringo is going to give orders to this president of the Republic,”capturing widespread patriotic fervor within the audience. He further emphasized the strength of Brazil’s judiciary contrasting it with U.S. turmoil, declaring that:

“If Trump lived in Brazil and tried to do in Brazil what he did at the Capitol, he would certainly be judged and could be in prison.”

These words underscored Lula’s defense of Brazil’s democratic institutions and justice system, reaffirming Brazil’s independence in stark contrast to the “political mafias” and chaotic attempts to undermine democracy abroad.

Lula did not spare former right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro, accusing him of aligning Brazil with foreign interests at the expense of the nation’s dignity. He called Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo “the greatest traitors of the century” for their role in promoting anti-national agendas from abroad. Furthermore, Lula insisted Bolsonaro would be held accountable for his negligent handling of the COVID-19 crisis, which caused a tragic loss of life.

Addressing the U.S. tariff hike, Lula dismantled Washington’s false narrative of a Brazilian trade surplus, asserting:

“Trump is misinformed; it is Brazil that has had a trade deficit with the U.S. for 15 years.”He made clear that the tariffs are retaliation for independent Brazilian judiciary actions, not grounded in economic fairness.

Presidente Lula participa da abertura do 60º CONUNE – Congresso da União Nacional dos Estudantes https://t.co/ogJKstNNny

— Lula (@LulaOficial) July 17, 2025

The text reads: President Lula participates in the opening of the 60th CONUNE – Congress of the National Union of Students

Despite harsh rhetoric, Lula affirmed a readiness to negotiate but only on terms that respect Brazil’s interests and sovereignty.“Brazil will not accept anything imposed. We accept negotiation, not imposition,”he insisted, signaling a commitment to dialogue without capitulation. He stressed his own extensive experience in diplomacy and negotiation, positioning Brazil as a confident and autonomous actor on the global stage.

Lula concluded with a patriotic call, holding up a Brazilian flag and declaring:“We are going to take the green and yellow flag.”

He rejected Bolsonaro’s embrace of U.S. influence and urged national unity to resist external pressures. This affirmation echoed the broader Latin American struggle against imperialism and for self-determination, a struggle Lula has championed throughout his career.

President Lula’s defiant stance reasserts Brazil’s sovereignty and economic dignity amid mounting imperialist pressures, reaffirming his role as a leader committed to social justice, national unity, and democratic resilience. This firm position resonates strongly with progressive movements across Latin America advocating for multipolarity and respect among nations.

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