Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has forcefully opposed former US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, calling it a violation of Brazil’s sovereignty and legal independence.

The proposed tariffs were outlined in a letter shared by Trump on social media, where he accused Brazil of targeting US tech firms and pursuing a “witch hunt” against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who faces charges over an alleged 2022 election plot.

Responding on X, Lula stated, “Brazil is a sovereign nation with independent institutions and will not accept any form of tutelage.” He stressed that legal actions against Bolsonaro are solely under Brazil’s judiciary and immune to foreign interference.

Lula also addressed Trump’s claims about the US-Brazil trade balance, calling them “inaccurate.” He noted that US government data shows a $410 billion trade surplus in America’s favor over the past 15 years.

The Brazilian President warned that any unilateral tariffs would trigger reciprocal measures under Brazil’s Economic Reciprocity Law. “Sovereignty, respect, and the defense of the Brazilian people’s interests will guide our global relations,” he said.

He further emphasized that freedom of speech in Brazil does not protect harmful content such as hate speech, racism, child exploitation, or disinformation. Lula warned that all companies—foreign or domestic—must adhere to Brazilian laws to operate in the country.

The tariff announcement has sparked fresh diplomatic tensions between Washington and Brasília, with Lula making it clear that Brazil will not be coerced into altering its domestic or judicial policies.