Lula: We’re not afraid, but there’s a limit to clashing with Trump - Valor International

Just two days before steep U.S. tariffs on Brazilian goods are set to take effect, President Lula said on Sunday that there is “a limit” to how far he is willing to escalate tensions with President Donald Trump’s administration—and that he “can’t say everything” he would like to.

The remarks came during the inauguration of the Workers’ Party’s new national president, Edinho Silva, at the party’s 17th National Congress in Brasília.

“In this current dispute over the tariffs, I have a limit to how far I’ll go in clashing with the U.S. government. I can’t say everything I want to say,” President Lula said. “How come a country dares to challenge a great power? We’re not looking to challenge anyone. We just want to move forward.”

President Lula reiterated that Brazil is open to dialogue and wants negotiations based on equal footing, but he did not hold back in his criticism of Trump.

“He wants to overstep the boundaries because he wants to end multilateralism,” President Lula said. “Anyone who wants to pick a fight with us should know we’re not looking for trouble—but don’t think we’re afraid.”

On Friday, Mr. Trump told TV Globo that Lula is free to speak with him “whenever he wants.” President Lula responded on social media, reaffirming that Brazil remains open to dialogue and is focused on protecting its economy from the incoming tariffs.

President Lula also stressed that Brazil today is “not as dependent” on the United States and should not be treated like a “banana republic.” He insisted that Brazil will continue exploring the creation of an alternative currency to reduce its reliance on the U.S. dollar and to broaden trade relations with other countries.

“Of course, I won’t overlook the importance of Brazil’s diplomatic relationship with the United States,” he added.

The president also criticized Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who has taken leave from his congressional duties and is currently living in the U.S. Eduardo has played a key role in encouraging the Trump administration to impose trade penalties on Brazil and has pushed for amnesty for his father, who is under investigation for an alleged plot to overturn the 2022 election.

“Look at this guy,” President Lula said. “He used to campaign wrapped in the Brazilian flag, and now he’s in the U.S. hugging the American flag, asking Trump to sanction Brazilian products so his father can get amnesty. It’s political grotesquerie at its worst.”

The United States has also imposed Magnitsky Act sanctions on Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is overseeing the investigation into the alleged coup attempt. Eduardo Bolsonaro has even threatened the Speaker of Brazil’s Lower House, Hugo Motta, and Senate President Davi Alcolumbre, saying they too could be sanctioned if they do not move forward with the amnesty bill.

Sunday’s Workers’ Party event also focused on reclaiming the Brazilian flag, which had become a symbol of the far right during the Bolsonaro years. The party emphasized themes of national sovereignty, expressed support for a Palestinian state, and reinforced its proposal for the “BBB tax”—targeting betting companies, banks, and billionaires.

Centrist allies within President Lula’s coalition have criticized this approach, warning that it revives the divisive “us versus them” tone of previous Workers’ Party campaigns.

New party president Edinho Silva also took aim at Mr. Trump during his speech. “We are up against the biggest fascist leader of the 21st century—Donald Trump,” he said. “If anyone doubts that, just look at how he’s treated immigrants.”

Finance Minister Fernando Haddad called Trump’s recent comments about being open to dialogue “a good sign,” but added that such a conversation would require planning. Two other ministers told Valor that any engagement between the two presidents must be backed by diplomatic safeguards.

This article was translated from Valor Econômico using an artificial intelligence tool under the supervision of the Valor International editorial team to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to our editorial standards. Read our Editorial Principles.