Brazil’s Lula Jabs at Trump Over Tariff-Hit Grapes: ‘Planting Food, Not Hate’

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took a playful jab at former US President Donald Trump on Saturday, addressing the steep 50% tariffs the US imposed on Brazilian goods, including grapes.

In a video shared while planting grapes—a product directly affected by the tariffs—Lula invited Trump to see “the real Brazil.” He said, “I hope you can visit someday so we can talk and you can get to know the true Brazil, the Brazil of people who love samba, carnival, soccer, the United States, China, Russia, Uruguay, and Venezuela. We love everyone.”

The tariffs, framed in political terms, were justified by Trump with claims that Brazil was pursuing a “witch hunt” against his ally, former president Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro is currently facing trial for an alleged coup attempt against Lula in 2022, and the US recently sanctioned the judge and seven other Supreme Court magistrates involved in the case.

Lula emphasized his support for Brazil’s judiciary and pledged to defend the country’s sovereignty. He also indicated that his administration would challenge the tariffs, including through formal appeals if necessary.

Highlighting his message of peace and cooperation, Lula concluded, “I am planting food, not violence, not hate. I hope that someday we can talk, President Trump, so you can learn about the quality of the Brazilian people.”

The comments reflect Lula’s mix of diplomacy and lightheartedness in addressing a trade conflict that has strained long-standing ties between the US and Brazil.