Brazil is once again at the centre of global political discussions — this time over a steep 50% tariff imposed by the United States and a high-profile court ruling against former President Jair Bolsonaro.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is defending Brazil’s democracy while warning that the country won’t be intimidated by outside pressure. The situation is becoming more heated, especially with U.S. political figures making strong statements in response to Brazil’s judicial decisions.
Lula Slams U.S. Tariff as ‘Political and Illogical’
In a strongly worded op-ed published in The New York Times, President Lula criticised the recent 50% tariff slapped on Brazilian imports to the U.S.
He called it both “political” and “illogical”, saying the move doesn’t make sense considering the $410 billion trade surplus the U.S. has enjoyed with Brazil over the past 15 years.
Lula made it clear that Brazil is open to negotiation if it brings benefits to both countries. But he also firmly stated that Brazil’s democracy and national sovereignty are not up for discussion.
Bolsonaro’s Conviction and Coup Trial Outcome
Last week, Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled that former President Jair Bolsonaro tried to stage a coup after losing the 2022 election to Lula. The decision followed a lengthy investigation that uncovered dangerous plots — including alleged plans to assassinate Lula, the Vice President, and a Supreme Court judge.
Lula praised the ruling as a victory for democracy, rejecting claims from some U.S. politicians that it was a “witch hunt.” He emphasised that the decision was backed by solid evidence and due process.
U.S. Reaction and Political Tension
After the Supreme Court verdict, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded aggressively on social media, warning that the U.S. “will respond accordingly.” This raised concerns about further sanctions or diplomatic backlash from the U.S.
Brazil’s Foreign Ministry responded strongly, saying that such comments were inappropriate and that Brazil’s judiciary acts independently. They insisted that Bolsonaro was given a fair trial with proper legal procedures.
Bolsonaro’s Public Appearance and Health Check
On Sunday, Bolsonaro was allowed to temporarily leave his house arrest to visit a hospital in Brasília. He underwent a medical procedure to remove eight skin lesions, which will now be examined for further diagnosis.
Bolsonaro, who has been under house arrest since early August, is wearing an ankle monitor and faces strict security rules, including police checks on vehicles leaving his home. His son, Carlos Bolsonaro, criticised the security detail, calling it excessive and humiliating.
Supporters Call for Amnesty as Legal Process Continues
Despite the ruling, Bolsonaro won’t be jailed immediately. The court has up to 60 days to publish its full ruling, after which his legal team can file appeals. His lawyers say they plan to challenge the decision before the full 11-judge Supreme Court, though legal experts doubt the appeal will succeed.
Meanwhile, Bolsonaro’s supporters gathered at the hospital shouting “Amnesty now!” Some groups are pushing for Congress to pass a law that would pardon the former president.
Supporters say their presence is to give him moral support. One man, Deusélis Filho, head of a Bolsonaro supporter group, said they were there for “spiritual and psychological support” during this difficult time.
Brazil finds itself in a politically charged moment, balancing internal legal processes and external diplomatic tensions. While President Lula stands firm on protecting the nation’s democratic institutions, reactions from the U.S. could impact future trade and international relations.
As Bolsonaro’s legal team prepares to appeal, both the government and the public wait to see what consequences — political and economic — will follow.
