Lula Dismisses Question on Meeting Trump: ‘He’s Not Emperor of the World’

Lula Downplays Trump’s Importance: ‘He’s Not Emperor of the World’

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva dismissed the idea of holding talks with former US President Donald Trump, saying that while Trump may lead the United States, “he’s not emperor of the world.”

In an interview with the BBC, Lula said he had no personal ties with Trump because he was not in office during Trump’s presidency. “His relationship is with Bolsonaro, not Brazil,” he remarked, referring to former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s close alignment with Trump.

Lula added that although Trump had once suggested he could “call him anytime,” members of the Trump administration showed little willingness to engage. He noted that if he happened to meet Trump at next week’s UN General Assembly, he would greet him “as a civilised citizen,” but stressed that Trump’s influence stopped at America’s borders.

The Brazilian leader also criticised Trump’s recent decision to impose steep tariffs on Brazilian goods, saying he learned of the move from newspapers rather than direct communication. “The US President didn’t act in a civilised manner. He simply posted the tariffs on his portal, on social media,” Lula said.

The United States introduced 50% tariffs in July, citing Bolsonaro’s ongoing trial on coup-plotting charges as justification. Lula contrasted Trump’s stance with his own record of maintaining strong relations with previous US presidents, European leaders, and major powers including China, Ukraine, and Venezuela.