Brazil’s President Lula Criticizes Trump’s Tariff Threat: “We Don’t Want an Emperor”

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva addressed the media after the conclusion of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where he criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent tariff threats against BRICS nations. Trump had accused the BRICS bloc of being “anti-American” and announced a 10% increase in tariffs on countries aligning with BRICS policies.

Lula dismissed Trump’s accusations, stating, “This is a group of countries seeking to organize the world economically in a different way. I think that’s why BRICS bothers some people.” He emphasized that the world has evolved and rejected the idea of a single dominant power, saying, “The world has changed. We don’t want an emperor.”

Lula also reiterated his stance on reducing global trade’s reliance on the U.S. dollar, suggesting that countries should explore alternative methods for trade relations. “The world must find a way for our trade relations not to depend solely on the dollar. Of course, we must act responsibly in this regard. Our central banks should discuss this issue with other countries’ central banks,” he said.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, speaking at a press conference after the 17th BRICS Summit, criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats against BRICS nations. Lula rejected Trump’s accusations of BRICS being “anti-American” and emphasized the need for a multipolar world. He also called for reducing global trade’s dependence on the U.S. dollar.