In a forceful rebuke of US President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva vigorously asserted Brazil’s sovereignty and autonomy of its democratic institutions. The move has triggered increased tensions between the United States and Brazil, specifically over Trump’s backing of coup-accused ex-Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro.
Lula went on social media site X on Wednesday to make a personal contradiction of Trump’s statements and actions. “Given the public statement from US President Donald Trump on social media during the afternoon of Wednesday (9), it is necessary to emphasize the following: Brazil is an independent country with autonomous institutions and will not tolerate any kind of tutelage,” Lula said.
In light of the public statement made by U.S. President Donald Trump on social media on the afternoon of Wednesday (9), it is important to highlight the following:
Brazil is a sovereign nation with independent institutions and will not accept any form of tutelage.
The judicial…
— Lula (@LulaOficial) July 9, 2025
He underscored that the judiciary process against those suspected of masterminding the 2023 coup plot—at the time, former President Jair Bolsonaro—is still the sole prerogative of Brazil’s judicial system.
“Judicial process against those guilty of coup d’etat plot is purely in the hands of Brazil’s Judiciary and, therefore, not subject to any attempt at interference or threat that might threaten national institutions’ independence,” Lula stated.
Trump Accuses Brazil of Free Speech and Trade Fairness Attacks
Relations reached a boiling point when Trump sent an official letter to Lula announcing a sweeping 50% tariff on all Brazilian goods exported to the United States starting August 1, 2025. Trump based this on reported attacks on free speech and unfair trade being carried out by Brazil.
The manner in which Brazil has treated previous President Bolsonaro. is an international embarrassment. This trial ought not to be occurring. It is a Witch Hunt that must be concluded immediately,” Trump stated.
Trump also accused Brazil’s Supreme Court of launching “sneaky attacks” on free elections and censoring American technology companies through what he called “SECRET and ILLEGAL Censorship Orders.”
Lula Responds With Facts and Policy Initiatives
Lula rebutted the economic charges, pointing out that the US has really had a trade surplus with Brazil in the last 15 years.
“The argument of a US commercial deficit in its trade with Brazil is false. Reports from the US government itself indicate a surplus of $410 billion in the commercial exchange of goods and services with Brazil in the last 15 years,” Lula explained.
He said Brazil will retaliate to any tariff hikes under its Economic Reciprocity Law and will keep defending its national interests.
“Sovereignty, respect and the uncompromising defense of the interests of the Brazilian people are the values that guide our relationship with the world,” Lula said.
Growing Rift Between Two Major Democracies
The clash is a serious point of tension between US-Brazil relations, with trade, digital governance, and legal sovereignty at its center. Trump’s embrace of Bolsonaro, who has criminal proceedings against him in Brazil regarding attempted subversion of the 2023 election, has added to further diplomatic estrangement.
With the tariff effective date of August 1 looming, the two nations seem entrenched in a confrontation not only about economic policy but also about ideological and institutional deference.
