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Brazil's Lula hits back at Trump over Bolsonaro trial and tariffs

September 15, 2025

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has defended the legal proceedings that resulted in his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, receiving a 27-year prison sentence for coup plotting. In a New York Times opinion piece, Lula rejected US President Donald Trump's characterization of the trial as a "witch hunt" and criticized Trump's recent imposition of 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports. Lula argued that the US has benefited significantly from bilateral trade with Brazil over the past 15 years, accumulating a $410 billion surplus, suggesting the tariff decision was politically motivated.

Who is affected

  • Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (sentenced to over 27 years in prison)
  • Current Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
  • US President Donald Trump
  • Brazilian exporters facing 50% US tariffs
  • US tech firms operating in Brazil
  • Brazilian citizens whose democratic institutions were involved in the trial

What action is being taken

  • Lula is publicly defending Brazil's judicial process through a New York Times opinion piece
  • The US is imposing 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports
  • The US is applying sanctions under the Magnitsky Act against the Supreme Court justice who led Bolsonaro's trial
  • Bolsonaro's lawyers are appealing his 27-year prison sentence
  • Brazilian courts are regulating internet companies and technology firms

Why it matters

  • The situation represents a significant deterioration in US-Brazil relations, contrasting with the close relationship during the Trump-Bolsonaro era
  • The tariffs could impact the $410 billion trade relationship between the countries
  • The case represents what Lula describes as protection of Brazil's democratic institutions and rule of law
  • US interference in Brazil's judicial matters raises questions about sovereignty and international relations
  • The conflict highlights different approaches to regulating technology companies and internet content

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC