‘I Am Stronger, Bigger, Richer’: Brazil’s Lula Accuses Trump of Acting Like an ‘Emperor’

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has criticised US President Donald Trump’s style of governance, saying he disagrees with what he described as an “emperor”-like approach to exercising power.

In an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, Lula said Trump’s governing style was based on the belief that greater strength, wealth and power gave one country the right to impose its will on others.

“He acts like an emperor,” Lula said, adding that he did not agree with such a method of governance.

Elaborating on his remarks, the Brazilian president said the approach could be summed up as: “I am strong, I am bigger, I am richer, I can do anything, and everyone else has to obey.” Lula said he opposed what he called the “law of the strongest.”

Relations between Lula and Trump have become increasingly strained in recent months, with disagreements over US tariffs on Brazilian goods and Washington’s ties with supporters of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro.

Bolsonaro, the father of presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro, was sentenced to more than 27 years in prison over his alleged involvement in a plot to overturn the result of Brazil’s 2022 presidential election.

Lula is due to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, where he could cross paths with Trump. Brazil is also preparing for its presidential election in October, with Flavio Bolsonaro among those contesting the race.

Lula Warns Against US Interference

Lula has called on Washington to stay out of Brazil’s electoral process, arguing that Brazilian voters should decide the country’s next president.

“It is very important that the United States do not meddle in the elections of Brazil, as I do not meddle in the US elections,” Lula said during the CNN interview.

He also expressed concern over US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s links with the Bolsonaro family. However, Lula acknowledged that there was currently “nothing concrete” demonstrating that Washington was attempting to interfere in Brazil’s election.

Tariff Dispute Adds to Tensions

Trade has emerged as another major source of friction between the two countries. The US imposed an additional 25% tariff on certain Brazilian imports in July, while Lula has accused the Trump administration of using trade measures for political reasons.

Lula said Brazil would continue talks with Washington to resolve the dispute. He has also indicated that Brazil could consider retaliatory measures if negotiations fail to produce an agreement.