Brazil’s Lula Calls for Negotiation with U.S.,Criticizes Trump‘s Interference
WASHINGTON D.C. – Brazilian President luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in a wide-ranging interview, urged the United States to adopt a more “civilized relationship” with Brazil and the world, while sharply criticizing former President Donald Trump’s perceived interference in Brazilian politics. Lula emphasized Brazil’s sovereignty and the strength of its democratic institutions, pushing back against what he characterized as untruths regarding trade imbalances and the independence of its judiciary.
Lula asserted that the U.S., historically presented as a champion of democracy and freedom, has increasingly acted as if it “appointed itself as the greatest representative of it,” a position he believes is now diminishing. He pointed to a $410 billion trade surplus the U.S. has held with Brazil over the last 15 years, countering claims of a trade deficit.
“They don’t have any trade deficit with us,” Lula stated, through an interpreter.
The Brazilian President also defended the independence of Brazil’s justice system, emphasizing that the President of the Republic cannot interfere in judicial cases. He highlighted recent demonstrations by the Brazilian people against amnesty for former President Jair Bolsonaro and other measures in Congress as evidence of a vibrant democracy. “The people are paying attention,” he said. ”If the far right parties want to run for elections, they can do that, of course. They’re free to do it.”
Addressing Trump’s specific interest in Brazilian politics, Lula called for the former President to behave with the “responsibility” expected of a leader representing the world’s largest economy and most powerful military force.
“we want to have relations with everybody under equal terms. But what we do not accept is that nobody, nobody, no country in the world interferes in our democracy and our sovereignty,” Lula declared.
He reiterated Brazil’s willingness to engage in negotiations with the U.S., framing dialog as a constructive path forward. “A negotiating table doesn’t cost anything. It doesn’t destroy a bridge. It doesn’t destroy a boat. It doesn’t kill a single person. It takes time, but it’s better. it’s healthier, and it’s humanly understood by the whole of society.”
Lula concluded by expressing hope that the interview would encourage the U.S. to “open its heart to negotiate with all the countries in the world.”
