Brazil becomes US antagonist at the opening of the UN General Assembly

The Brazilian president,became the main antagonist of On the first day of the opening of the UN General Assembly, which begins this Monday (22) in New York. It is Lula’s first official trip to the US since Trump’s inauguration in January, which marked the beginning of the current crisis between the Planalto Palace and the White House, one of the most serious since the two countries have established diplomatic relations in the 19th century. The two presidents could meet for the first time in UN runners. As usual, it is up to Brazil to make the opening speech tomorrow in the plenary of the General Assembly of . Trump will occupy the podium shortly thereafter. The Brazilian government understands that the contrasts between them will be clear.

There are no requests for bilateral meeting, which could be interpreted as humiliation to Brazil. The most experienced former Brazilian wandering in Washington have classified the current moment as the worst in 200 years of diplomatic relations. Threats of new punishments to Brazil due to Trump’s support to the former president tend to make the crisis worse.

Tariffs

Diplomats evaluate that Lula made a mistake by supporting the Democrats for Joe Biden’s succession, differ on the convenience of direct contact with Trump, as a call, but agree that the Republican has practiced an interference with Brazilian politics. The White House insists on Trump’s defense of freedom of expression, who sees a witch hunt in the condemnation of Bolsonaro, with whom he compared himself, and in the alleged persecution of American big techs.

The Plateau, however, sees 50% tariff and pressure through personal sanctions (cutting visas and financial siege of the magnistky law) to Ministers of the Government and the Supreme Court (STF), especially Alexandre de Moraes, an attempt to interfere with the 2026 elections. From antagonistic views in important issues, from geopolitical conflicts to climate emergence, Lula and Trump They clash in a series of points.

Sanction

Behind the scenes, there is a fear that Brazilian authorities are the target of new penalties or that the country undergoes new fees or secondary sanctions due to the purchase of diesel and Russian fertilizers. Prior to the General Assembly, the US State Department imposed restrictions of locomotion in the diplomatic visa of Brazilian representatives. Prevented from circulating freely in New York, Health Minister Alexandre Padilha gave up travel. In a letter, he pointed to obscurantism and damage to Brazil. Members of the Brazilian delegation of lower levels also had restricted movement. The episode should not be beaten by Lula’s speech, which should mention the restrictions not only to Brazil’s entourage, but also to the Palestinian delegation. Prepared days ago, speech must cite the priorities of Brazilian foreign policy. In the Planalto, the idea is to send a blunt message and answer Trump, even though Lula does not want to mention him.

The coping position has received compliments outside the country, in the government assessment, something that the Planalto does not want to let it out. Lula intends to make an emphatic defense of national sovereignty, facing Washington’s attacks, democracy and the independence of institutions.

Multilateralism

Lula will mention the crisis of multilateralism, the proliferation of wars and the need to reform the UN Security Council, referring to Brazil’s campaign for a permanent seat. He should also cite the priorities of COP-30 and criticize those who put climate change in check. The president should also qualify as “genocide” Israel’s performance in the Gaza Strip and publicly express the support of Brazil to the process against the Israeli government at the International Court of Justice (CIJ), taking advantage of the favorable wave to the Palestinians sponsored by the French government.

*With information from Estadão Content