247 - In an interview published this Wednesday (30) by the New York Times, President Lula (PT) made harsh criticisms of the President of the United States, Donald Trump, who ordered the imposition of 50% tariffs on Brazilian products as a way of putting pressure on the Brazilian government in the legal case against former President Jair Bolsonaro. The interview was conducted by correspondent Jack Nicas, who was leaving his post in Brazil precisely amid the worsening diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

"I want to tell Trump that Brazilians and Americans don't deserve to be victims of politics if the reason for the tariff is the case against former President Bolsonaro," Lula stated."The Brazilian people will pay more for some products, and the American people will pay more for others. And I don't think the case justifies this. Brazil has a Constitution, and the former president is being tried with full right to defense."

Lula revealed that he has been trying to establish contact with Trump and members of the US government since May, without success."What's preventing it is that no one wants to talk. I asked to get in touch. I suggested my vice president, my minister of agriculture, my minister of economy, so that each of them could speak with their respective colleagues and understand what possibilities for dialogue existed. So far, it hasn't been possible," the president reported.

According to Lula, the Brazilian government held ten meetings with the U.S. Department of Commerce and, on May 16, sent a letter requesting a formal response."The response we received was via Trump's website, announcing tariffs against Brazil," he stated."I hope civility returns to the Brazil-U.S. relationship. The tone of his letter clearly reflects someone who doesn't want to talk."

When asked about his critical stance toward the US president—whom he once called an "emperor"—and whether he feared reprisals, Lula was blunt:"No. There's no reason to be afraid. I'm worried, obviously, because we have economic, political, and technological interests. But at no point will Brazil negotiate as if it were a small country facing a large one. Brazil will negotiate as a sovereign country."

The president reaffirmed that Brazil is willing to find balance in international relations, but will never accept subordination."In politics between two states, the will of neither should prevail. We must always find a middle ground. This cannot be achieved by puffing out our chests and shouting for things we cannot surrender, nor by bowing our heads and saying 'amen' to everything the United States wants."

Bolsonaro case is non-negotiable

Trump is making the suspension of tariffs conditional on the cessation of the prosecution of Jair Bolsonaro, but Lula categorically rejected any interference:"It's important that President Trump considers the following: if he wants to have a political fight, then let's treat it like a political fight. If he wants to talk about trade, let's sit down and discuss trade. But you can't mix everything up."

The Brazilian president was emphatic in explaining that he respects US sovereignty and demands the same from Brazil."I can't simply send a letter to Trump saying, 'Look, Trump, Brazil won't do such-and-such a thing if you don't do such-and-such with Cuba.' I can't do that—out of respect for the United States, for diplomacy, and for the sovereignty of each nation. That's what I hope he reflects. Honestly, I don't know what Trump has heard about me. But if he knew me, he would know that I'm 20 times better than Bolsonaro."

If the tariffs go into effect this Friday, Lula stated that Brazil will seek other trading partners. “I won't cry over spilt milk. If the United States doesn't want to buy something from us, we'll look for someone who will. We have an extraordinary trade relationship with China. If the United States and China want to wage a Cold War, we won't accept it. I have no preference. I'm interested in selling to whoever wants to buy—to whoever pays the most.”

Lula concluded by criticizing the ideological logic imposed by Washington."Not even my worst enemy can say that Lula doesn't like to negotiate. I learned politics through negotiation. I have nothing against Trump's ideology. Trump is a problem for the American people. They voted for him. Period. I will not question the sovereign right of the American people, because I don't want them to question mine."