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Lula Escalates Attack on US Diplomacy Amid Brazil–US Trade Tensions

(MENAFN) Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has intensified criticism of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, calling him a “mortal enemy” of Latin America amid a worsening diplomatic dispute triggered by proposed US tariffs on Brazilian goods, according to reports.

Lula accused Rubio of harboring hostility toward Brazil and the broader region, arguing that his stance reflects a long-standing lack of sympathy toward Latin American countries. The remarks were made during a period of heightened tension following Washington’s move to introduce a 25% tariff on Brazilian imports over allegations of unfair trade practices.

According to reports, Lula described Rubio as “a frustrated Latin American,” linking his criticism to broader disagreements over trade and regional policy. He also suggested that Rubio was absent from recent high-level discussions between Brazilian and US leadership, implying that his influence has complicated bilateral negotiations.

The diplomatic rift comes shortly after a recent meeting between Lula and US President Donald Trump, which both sides previously characterized as constructive. However, relations have since deteriorated as trade disputes have resurfaced.

US officials have justified the proposed tariffs by citing concerns over Brazil’s trade practices in areas such as digital regulation, intellectual property protection, and environmental policy. Brazilian officials, in turn, have rejected the measures as politically motivated and harmful to ongoing negotiations.

The dispute has also become entangled with broader geopolitical considerations, as both sides signal competing narratives over influence and alignment in Latin America. Lula has warned that Brazil may seek alternative trade partnerships if relations with Washington continue to decline.

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