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During an recent conversation, Brazil’s President Lula made clear that he maintains “no rapport” at all with former US President Donald Trump.

The Brazilian leader repeatedly condemned the former president, but this is the clearest signal so far that he feels dialogue between the two leaders is now totally severed.

Trade Tensions and Tariffs

Despite the US enjoying a trade surplus with Brazil, Trump introduced import taxes of 50% on Brazilian goods back in the summer.

Lula characterized these tariffs as “highly political” and noted that US shoppers would soon experience elevated prices for Brazilian products.

“US citizens are the ones who will suffer for the errors President Trump is committing in his dealings with Brazil.”

Lack of Contact

Both presidents have never communicated directly. Pressed on why he did not attempted to contact Trump, Lula responded: “I did not attempted that call since he never wish to engage in a dialogue.”

Although Donald Trump has said that Lula could “contact him whenever,” he insisted that members of the former administration “did not wish to talk.”

Lula further mentioned that he first found out about the new taxes via local media outlets.

Speaking about Trump, Lula remarked that the president “failed to communicate in a respectful manner. He just announced them on platform.”

‘He’s Not Ruler on Earth!’

Lula highlighted that his poor relations with Trump were the exception, noting that he has established productive ties with previous American leaders, British officials, the European Union, China, Ukraine, Venezuelan representatives and “nearly all nations worldwide.”

When questioned about who he enjoyed a stronger connection with – Trump or Vladimir Putin – he defended his relationship with the Russian leader, mentioning they built them when both served as leaders “years ago.”

“I don’t have connection with Trump since at the time Trump was elected, I was not president. His ties is with the former president, not Brazil.”

He also remarked that if he passed Trump at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, he would “acknowledge him since I consider myself a respectful citizen,” but he noted that Trump is “leader of the US, but he’s not emperor of the world!”

Comments on Bolsonaro and Election Charges

The president further commented on his predecessor, Bolsonaro, who was last week sentenced by Brazil’s highest court.

A 4-1 ruling, judges found the ex-president guilty of planning a coup following being defeated in the presidential race to President Lula and sentenced him to 27 years in prison.

He said that Bolsonaro and his co-conspirators had “harmed the country, tried to carry out a coup, and planned assassination.”

He also slammed Donald Trump for “inventing misinformation” by claiming that the former president was being targeted and denouncing the state of democratic institutions in the country.

Lula further commented that if the January 6 Capitol riots had taken place in his country instead of the United States, the former president would have been put on trial.

UN Reform and International Relations

During the wide-ranging conversation, the president further advocated for changes of the UN.

He criticized the reality that a handful of countries – the permanent five of the UN Security Council – have the authority to reject resolutions and argued that this tilted the balance in favor of those who won World War Two, excluding countries like billions of citizens including his country, the Europeans, India, Japan, along with many African nations.

Consequently, Lula argued, the UN doesn’t “possess the power to address conflicts” and the five permanent members make “independent” choices about starting conflicts.

Energy and Environment Issues

The BBC further questioned President Lula about the upcoming COP30 conference, where Brazil will welcome world leaders in the Amazon city of Belém do Pará.

At home, the Brazilian president has encountered backlash over his backing for potential oil extraction for oil close to the mouth of the Amazon.

The country’s state oil company Petrobras and additional companies have purchased rights for exploration and expect approvals.

His own environment minister, Marina Silva, has strongly resisted the project, and several conservation groups are concerned it could lead to oil spills in areas close to the Amazon.

President Lula stated that Brazil was closely adhering to the regulations in its research and that if any accidents, then “Brazil would be liable and address any issues.”

Lula further mentioned that he backs a planet free from fossil fuels although “that time did not come yet.”

“I ask a single country that is prepared to undertake an energy transition and able of giving up traditional energy.”

Lula, who is 79 years old, said that he had not yet made up his mind if he will seek re-election in the 2026 vote.

He explained that his health and his party would determine that – as well as whether it was politically opportune and whether he had a opportunity of victory.

His declined in the opinion surveys lately, however gained a rise after Trump enacted duties on Brazilian goods.

Finally, Lula remarked that his legacy included lowering {hunger|food insecurity