Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has made it clear that he will not take directions from the United States, particularly from US President Donald Trump. Lula was reacting to a letter Trump sent last week, in which he imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods starting in August.
The letter claimed the tariffs were a response to Brazil’s treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro and what Trump described as unfair trade practices hurting American companies.
Speaking to a crowd of student activists in the state of Goias on Thursday, Lula wore a bright red shirt and used strong words to defend his country’s independence.
“No gringo is going to give orders to this president,” Lula said. In Brazil, the word gringo typically means a foreigner and doesn’t carry the negative meaning it sometimes has in other places.
Lula’s comments received loud applause from the audience, many of whom support his left-leaning government. He also made it clear that Brazil plans to move ahead with rules and taxes on big US technology companies, saying these firms allow fake news and violent content in the name of free speech.
BRAZIL OPEN TO TALKS
While Lula rejected Trump’s tone, Brazil is not shutting the door on discussions. Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira told CNN Brasil that Lula is still open to talking to Trump.
“If the circumstances are given, they will speak,” Vieira said, although the two leaders haven’t met yet.
Behind the scenes, Brazilian officials are working with local industries that will be hit by the US tariffs. The government is also preparing possible countermeasures if talks with Washington do not lead to a solution. These measures could involve new trade restrictions or tariffs on American goods.
Lula is currently serving his third term as president, and the recent trade tensions appear to have helped him politically. According to recent polls, his approval ratings have started to improve, partly due to his tough stance against Trump’s tariffs.
The Brazilian president is also expected to speak to the country in a televised address later Thursday, where he is likely to outline Brazil’s next steps.
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With inputs from Reuters