"No One Is Defying Trump Like Brazil’s President," Says The New York Times

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  Kelly Couto

• August 03, 2025

• Kelly Couto

"No One Is Defying Trump Like Brazil’s President," Says The New York Times

In a report published this Friday, The New York Times highlighted Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s firm stance in the face of escalating diplomatic and trade tensions with the United States.

The article notes that Lula has become one of the few global leaders openly challenging U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent trade measures and political demands. Trump’s administration recently threatened to impose up to 50% tariffs on Brazilian exports and demanded the end of criminal investigations involving former President Jair Bolsonaro.

In a public statement, Lula reaffirmed Brazil’s sovereignty and independence of its institutions:
"Brazil does not take orders from foreign governments. Our democracy and our justice system are defined by the Brazilian people and our institutions."

The diplomatic rift intensified following Trump’s decision to apply Magnitsky Act sanctions against Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is leading investigations related to Bolsonaro. Lula condemned the sanctions as “unacceptable interference in Brazil’s judicial independence.”

The New York Times report underlines that while many nations seek diplomatic caution in dealing with Washington, Lula is taking a clear and firm position to protect Brazil’s economy, democratic institutions, and sovereignty.

This episode marks a turning point in Brazil-U.S. relations, with trade, politics, and legal disputes converging on the global stage.