Jair Bolsonaro, former president of Brazil, spoke out on his X account about the United States government's decision to impose a 50% tariff on the country's imports. Regarding this, the former president expressed"admiration and respect" for the American mandate.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, was quick to respond, pointing out that his US counterpart, Donald Trump, is"very misinformed" and that Bolsonaro will be tried and serve time in prison if convicted.
It is important to note that last Wednesday, Trump announced the tariffs he will impose on Brazil starting August 1 through a letter addressed to Lula that he published on his social networks and in which he alleged a false trade deficit with Brazil, but expressed in the first paragraph his displeasure with the criminal proceedings against Bolsonaro.
According to Trump, the Brazilian far-right leader is the victim of a"witch hunt," and he demanded that the criminal proceedings and the "persecution" to which he is subjected be "immediately" halted.
Jair Bolsonaro's statement
On July 10, in the afternoon, Jair Bolsonaro wrote on his X account:"I received with a sense of responsibility the news of the letter sent by President Donald J. Trump to the Brazilian government, in which he communicates and justifies the tariff increase on Brazilian products. I make clear my respect and admiration for the Government of the United States."
He added that " the measure is a direct result of Brazil's departure from its historic commitments to freedom, the rule of law, and the values that have always underpinned our relationship with the free world. This would never have happened under my administration."
He also referenced the term used by President Trump himself,"witch hunt," and noted that it is not just against him, but"against millions of Brazilians who fight for freedom and refuse to live under the shadow of authoritarianism. What is at stake is freedom of expression, of the press, of conscience, and of political participation. I know Donald Trump's firmness and courage in defending these principles."
Bolsonaro warned that "Brazil is rapidly moving toward isolation and international shame. The escalation of abuse, censorship, and political persecution must stop. The warning has been given, and there is no longer room for omission."
Finally, he asked"the powers that be to act urgently and present measures to restore institutional normality."
"It is still possible to save Brazil," wrote the former president.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva responded to the former president's statement: "That cowardly thing (Bolsonaro) prepared a coup" and "is being prosecuted. He will be convicted if guilty, but he sent his son to ask Trump to threaten him and free him from going to prison." Furthermore, Lula, in a public event and at times in a mocking tone, said that"those people should be ashamed" and that Trump needs to be informed that the accusation against Bolsonaro for the coup plot to prevent his inauguration was not made by the left, but by"army generals and his former aide-de-camp."
He recalled that he has had excellent relations with all the American leaders he has worked with, both Democrats and Republicans, and he assured that these ties have always been based on respect, something he demanded of Trump again.
Lula reiterated that his government"will appeal to all spheres to ensure there are no tariffs" and that, if necessary, he will"fight in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and speak with his BRICS colleagues."
But, as he has maintained since last Wednesday, he asserted that"if that doesn't work, there will be reciprocity. If they tax us here, we'll tax them there."
