Lula Defends Bolsonaro’s Trial, Rejects Trump’s ‘Witch Hunt’ Claim and Tariffs

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has strongly defended the conviction of his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, while hitting back at U.S. President Donald Trump over recent trade tariffs.

In an opinion piece published in The New York Times on Sunday, Lula described Bolsonaro’s 27-year prison sentence for plotting a coup as a “historic decision” that protects Brazil’s democracy and institutions. He dismissed Trump’s characterization of the ruling as a “witch hunt.”

The Brazilian leader also criticized Washington’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, calling it “misguided and illogical.” He argued that the United States has enjoyed a $410 billion trade surplus with Brazil over the past 15 years, insisting the tariff hike was politically motivated.

Lula further accused the Trump administration of using tariffs and sanctions under the Magnitsky Act to shield Bolsonaro, who was convicted by Brazil’s Supreme Court last week. Four of five justices found the former president guilty on all charges related to an attempted coup. Bolsonaro’s lawyers have vowed to appeal.

Trump said he was “very surprised” by the verdict, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Washington would respond to what he called a “witch hunt.”

Addressing the U.S. leader directly, Lula wrote that Brazil remains open to dialogue and cooperation “on anything that can bring mutual benefits,” but stressed that “Brazil’s democracy and sovereignty are not on the table.”

The editorial also rejected claims that Brazil’s judiciary unfairly targets U.S. tech firms, with Lula insisting the regulation of online platforms is necessary and lawful.

The conviction of Bolsonaro has deepened divisions in Brazil and strained relations with Washington, in sharp contrast to the warm ties between Trump and Bolsonaro during the latter’s presidency.