Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has firmly rejected what he described as foreign interference in Brazil’s internal affairs, as tensions escalate with the United States over new tariffs and digital regulations.

Addressing a student congress in Goiania on Thursday, Lula declared that Brazil is a sovereign nation and will not accept outside influence, particularly in relation to recent U.S. trade actions and criticism over domestic political matters.

“This country is sovereign. No foreigner gives orders to the president of Brazil. My only boss is the Brazilian people,” Lula said, while denying any link between U.S. tariffs and the ongoing prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

Lula also announced that American digital platforms operating in Brazil must comply with national laws and pay taxes. He accused these platforms of spreading disinformation and harming Brazilian democracy.

His comments came as Brazil formally protested the U.S. decision to impose a 50% import tariff on all Brazilian exports, effective August 1. The protest was communicated in a strongly worded letter addressed to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

The letter, signed by Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, expressed “indignation” over the move, which was originally announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on July 9.

Brazil warned that the decision would have severe economic consequences and further strain bilateral relations, which have already been tense due to disagreements over digital governance and global trade policies.

As the world’s two largest democracies in the Americas clash over trade and tech regulation, Brazil appears determined to assert its sovereignty and resist external pressure, especially from Washington.