US President Donald Trump had announced the tariff in July, alleging a “witch hunt” against former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was accused of attempting to cling to power after his 2022 electoral defeat
Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. PIC/X
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Sunday strongly opposed a 50 per cent tariff on Brazilian goods imposed by the United States, calling it “political” and “illogical”, reported news agency AP.
In an op-ed published in the New York Times, Lula wrote that his government was open to negotiating “anything that can bring mutual benefits,” but stressed, “Brazil’s democracy and sovereignty are not on the table.”
US President Donald Trump had announced the tariff in July, alleging a “witch hunt” against former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was accused of attempting to cling to power after his 2022 electoral defeat.
Last Thursday, Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled that Bolsonaro had tried to stage a coup, raising fears of further US sanctions, reported AP. Lula hailed the verdict as a “historic decision” that protects Brazil’s institutions and the rule of law, rejecting claims it was a witch hunt.
“(The ruling) followed months of investigations that uncovered plans to assassinate me, the vice president and a Supreme Court justice,” he said.
Lula also pointed to the US trade surplus of USD 410 billion with Brazil over the past 15 years, arguing that the tariff hike was “not only misguided but illogical”, reported AP.
The op-ed indicated that Brazil is preparing for more potential sanctions in the wake of the court’s ruling.
After the verdict, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X that Trump’s government “will respond accordingly.”
Brazil’s Foreign Ministry dismissed Rubio’s remarks as an inappropriate threat, reiterating that the judiciary is independent and that Bolsonaro had been granted due process.
Meanwhile, Bolsonaro — who has been under house arrest since early August — made his first public appearance since the ruling, leaving his residence briefly on Sunday for a medical procedure. Escorted by police, the 70-year-old was taken to DF Star Hospital in Brasilia, where doctors removed eight skin lesions for analysis. He was later discharged.
Bolsonaro has been ordered to file a certificate of attendance for his medical visit, detailing the date and time of his appointments. His son Carlos criticised the heavy security presence, calling it “the continuation of the biggest circus in Brazilian history.”
Supporters greeted the former president at the hospital with chants of “Amnesty now!” — a demand from his allies in Congress to secure him immunity. “We’re here to provide spiritual and psychological support,” said Deusélis Filho, president of a Bolsonaro supporter group called Influencers of Brazil.
Bolsonaro’s conviction does not mean immediate imprisonment. The Supreme Court has 60 days to publish the ruling, after which his lawyers will have five days to seek clarifications. His legal team has vowed to appeal before the full bench, though experts see little chance of success.
(With AP inputs)
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