Former President Jair Bolsonaro, center, temporarily allowed out of house arrest for medical treatment, departs a hospital in Brasilia, Brazil, Sunday, Sep. 14, 2025.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly imposed 50% tariff on Brazilian imports. Lula described the move as “political” and “illogical,” stressing that while Brazil is open to negotiations, its democracy and sovereignty remain non-negotiable.
In a New York Times op-ed, Lula made clear that cooperation with the United States must be based on mutual respect and benefits.
Lula Defends Brazilian Democracy
Trump announced the tariff in July, claiming it was a response to what he called a “witch hunt” against former President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro had faced accusations of attempting to cling to power after losing the 2022 election.
Last week, Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled that Bolsonaro had attempted a coup, concluding a highly watched trial. The decision, Lula said, was historic and vital for protecting democratic institutions.
“This ruling followed months of investigations that uncovered assassination plots against me, the vice president, and a Supreme Court justice,” Lula revealed. He praised the court for upholding the rule of law rather than engaging in political persecution.
Trade Relations Under Strain
Lula criticized the tariff as misguided, pointing to the $410 billion U.S. trade surplus with Brazil over the past 15 years. He argued that such an economic measure undermines rather than strengthens the longstanding relationship between the two nations.
The Brazilian government now braces for possible additional U.S. sanctions following the court’s verdict on Bolsonaro.
U.S. Signals Further Action
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that Washington would “respond accordingly” to Brazil’s judicial actions. His remarks sparked sharp criticism from Brazil’s Foreign Ministry, which called the comments inappropriate and reaffirmed the independence of the country’s judiciary.
Officials stressed that Bolsonaro received full due process, dismissing Rubio’s statements as unnecessary intimidation.
Bolsonaro’s Medical Appearance
Amid the political turbulence, Bolsonaro briefly left house arrest for a medical visit in Brasilia. Escorted by police, he underwent treatment for skin lesions at DF Star hospital before being discharged.
Doctors reported that eight lesions were removed for analysis to determine if further treatment is necessary. The 70-year-old former president must submit a medical attendance certificate to the Supreme Court after each appointment.
Bolsonaro has been under house arrest since early August after violating restrictions tied to his coup trial. Security measures were tightened in late August, with authorities ordered to monitor vehicles and the area around his home.
Family and Supporters React
Bolsonaro’s son, Carlos, criticized the heavy police presence during his father’s hospital trip. On social media, he called it “the biggest circus in Brazilian history,” accusing authorities of humiliating his father.
Supporters greeted Bolsonaro outside the hospital, chanting “Amnesty now!”—a call tied to congressional efforts to secure leniency for the former president.
“We are here to provide spiritual and psychological support,” said Deusélis Filho, head of a Bolsonaro supporters’ group.
Legal Battle Ahead
The Supreme Court’s ruling does not immediately send Bolsonaro to prison. Judges have up to 60 days to publish the full decision. Once released, Bolsonaro’s lawyers will have five days to file motions for clarification.
His legal team plans to appeal both the conviction and sentence before all 11 Supreme Court justices. However, experts suggest the appeal may face significant challenges.
Brazil Stands Firm
As tensions rise, Lula continues to emphasize Brazil’s democratic resilience. He insists that trade disputes should not overshadow the nation’s sovereignty.
“Brazil is ready to discuss cooperation,” Lula wrote. “But democracy is not on the table.”
