White House spokesman Karoline Leavitt responded on Thursday (17) to criticism by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (PT) to the US stance on the escalating tariff war against Brazil. According to Leavitt, President Donald Trump “is not trying to be the emperor of the world,” but to exercise his authority as leader of global power.
The statement occurred after, from CNN Internationalin which the Brazilian president said he seeks autonomy in trade relations and that the US cannot act as an imperial power. “Trump was not elected to be the emperor of the world,” said Lula.
Leavitt defended Trump’s performance, stating that his leadership caused a “big change throughout the globe” and reinforced the American influence. “He is the leader of the free world,” said the spokesman.
In addition to Trump’s defense, the White House also reiterated the justifications for the imposition of from August. According to Leavitt, Brazil adopts digital regulations that harm American technology companies, as well as failing to protect intellectual property.
The spokesman also accused Brazil of tolerance with illegal deforestation and said that these practices place American farmers and ranchers at a competitive disadvantage. “The measures adopted by Trump aim to protect the American people,” he said.
Lula reacts to tariffs
In the interview with the station, Lula contested Trump’s narrative and said the United States does not face commercial deficit with Brazil, as alleged in the letter sent by the White House. “When they showed me the letter, I thought it was fake news,” said the president, adding that Brazil will answer “at the right time.”
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Despite the tension, Lula avoided characterizing the episode as a diplomatic crisis. He reaffirmed the positive history in relations with Washington, but said the country will not accept unilateral impositions. “Brazil likes to negotiate in peace. We value the relationship with the US, but we accept negotiation, not imposition,” he said.
