Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has fired back at former U.S. President Donald Trump following recent remarks suggesting possible tariffs on BRICS nations if Trump returns to the White House. The Brazilian leader, known for his outspoken stance on global equity and multipolar cooperation, did not mince words.
“We don’t want an emperor. The world has changed,” Lula said in a press briefing on Monday, responding to Trump’s threats to impose punitive tariffs on BRICS countries, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, if they were deemed to be undermining U.S. economic interests.
The fiery statement from Lula comes amid growing tensions between the Global South and Western powers, particularly as BRICS expands its influence in global trade, energy cooperation, and de-dollarization efforts. Trump’s comments, seen as a warning to nations aligning more closely with China and Russia, have sparked a wave of reactions from BRICS leaders.
Lula emphasized Brazil’s sovereign right to build economic partnerships without external interference. “We will not accept threats. Brazil is a sovereign nation, and we are committed to building a fairer, more balanced world order,” he said.
The Brazilian president has been a vocal proponent of strengthening BRICS as an alternative to Western-dominated institutions like the IMF and World Bank. Under his leadership, Brazil has deepened its engagement with emerging economies and supported calls for a new global currency mechanism to reduce dependency on the U.S. dollar.
Trump, during a campaign rally last week, warned that under his potential second term, countries that engage in what he called “unfair trade practices” or “cozy up to America’s enemies” could face severe economic consequences, including high tariffs. Though he did not name specific BRICS members, his comments were widely interpreted as a broadside against the bloc.
Lula’s remarks have been welcomed by many within the BRICS alliance, with commentators hailing his response as a sign of the Global South’s increasing confidence on the world stage. Analysts believe the rhetoric from both sides could escalate as the U.S. presidential election draws closer and global power dynamics continue to shift.
In the meantime, Brazil is expected to continue its push for greater economic integration within BRICS and may seek stronger alliances with other Global South nations wary of a return to Trump-era protectionism.
As Lula concluded his statement: “We want dialogue, cooperation, and respect — not intimidation.”
