Lula Accuses Trump of Attempting to Colonize Brazil

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva accused U.S. President Donald Trump of attempting to colonize Brazil and seize its natural resources by interfering in the October 4 presidential election. In televised advertisements and social media posts, Lula claimed Trump is supporting far-right candidate Flávio Bolsonaro to advance U.S. interests. This follows reports of U.S. diplomatic and economic pressure, including 25% tariffs on Brazilian imports, and warnings from Brazil's intelligence agency regarding a critical level of interference risk.

Simultaneously, 31 Democratic members of the U.S. Congress, including Senator Bernie Sanders, sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The lawmakers alleged a sustained campaign of destabilization intended to secure a victory for Flávio Bolsonaro over Lula. They cited the imposition of tariffs linked to the trial of former president Jair Bolsonaro and attempts by U.S. officials to question Brazil's voting system—officials to whom the Lula administration denied visas.

The United States Department of State dismissed the claims of election meddling as a baseless lie. However, other Brazilian candidates, including right-wing contender Renan Santos, have also criticized Trump, alleging the U.S. is seeking to secure contracts for rare earth minerals. Lula further criticized external attacks on Brazilian democracy during the UN General Assembly in New York.