Brazil's Lula: 'There’s No Relationship' With Trump Amid Tariff Tensions

Thu Sep 18 2025 02:24:03 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In an exclusive BBC interview, Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva asserts that he has no communication with US President Trump, attributing the breakdown to Trump's political decisions affecting Brazil's trade.

President Lula of Brazil has openly discussed the deterioration of relations with US President Donald Trump in an exclusive interview with the BBC. Lula criticized Trump's recent tariffs on Brazilian goods, which have negatively impacted exports, stating that the tariffs were politically motivated. The Brazilian president emphasized that he never attempted to communicate with Trump since their direct relationship has been non-existent. Lula also reflected on his diplomatic ties with other countries and stressed the need for more equitable global governance. Further, he addressed domestic issues including environmental policy and upcoming elections.

Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has told the BBC in an exclusive interview that he has 'no relationship' with US President Donald Trump.

Lula has frequently criticised Trump, yet this is the clearest signal that he thinks communication between the two leaders is now broken.

Despite the US having a trade surplus with Brazil, Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods in July, citing the trial of Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro as a trigger.

Lula criticized these tariffs as 'eminently political,' indicating that US consumers would face higher prices for Brazilian products as a consequence.

These tariffs have deeply affected Brazilian exports to the US, including essential goods like coffee and beef. Lula stated, 'The American people will pay for the mistakes President Trump is incurring in his relationship with Brazil.'

Lula confirmed that he and Trump have never spoken directly. When asked why he had not tried to reach out, he remarked, 'I never tried that call because he never wanted to have a conversation.'

While Trump previously stated Lula could 'call him anytime,' Lula contended that members of Trump's administration are unwilling to engage and pointed out that he learned about the tariffs through Brazilian news.

Referring to Trump, he said that the US president 'didn't communicate in a civilised manner. He just published them [the tariffs] on his portal - on social media.'

Describing his relationship with Trump, Lula summarized, 'There’s no relationship.'

Lula further voiced his discontent by contrasting his current poor relations with Trump against his relationships with other world leaders, highlighting that he had built relationships with previous US presidents, UK leaders, and various nations globally.

When pressed about the state of his ties with Trump versus those with Vladimir Putin, he defended his relationship with the Russian leader, noting their previous interactions as heads of state.

Lula also indicated that should they cross paths at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, he would 'greet him because I am a civilised citizen,' but added, 'Trump may be president of the United States, but he's not emperor of the world.'

The White House had not responded to the BBC’s request for comments on Lula's criticisms at the time of publishing.

Additionally, Lula addressed the recent conviction of Jair Bolsonaro, emphasizing the negative impacts of Bolsonaro’s actions on Brazil, and reiterated his desire for reform within the United Nations.

As Brazil prepares to host the COP30 climate summit, Lula affirmed his commitment to following legal protocols related to exploratory drilling near the Amazon, despite criticisms faced both domestically and internationally.

Lula's political future remains uncertain, as he hinted at considering re-election based on his health and the political climate ahead of the 2026 elections.

Ultimately, President Lula concluded the interview by listing his legacy in reducing hunger, lowering unemployment, and improving the living standards of working-class Brazilians.