Lula Escalates Criticism of US Diplomacy Amid Rising Trade Tensions

2026-06-04 07:45:15

(MENAFN) Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sharply criticized U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, describing him as a “mortal enemy” of Latin America and accusing him of harboring hostility toward Brazil, according to reports.

The remarks come amid a worsening diplomatic dispute between Brasília and Washington after the United States threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Brazilian imports, citing what it described as unfair trade practices.

Lula said Rubio holds a negative attitude toward Latin America, adding that his background shapes his views.

"This Marco Rubio doesn't like Latin America, much less Brazil. He's a frustrated Latin American," Lula told reporters, apparently referencing Rubio’s Cuban immigrant parents.

The tensions mark a sharp reversal from recent diplomatic engagement, when Lula and U.S. President Donald Trump met in Washington for several hours in talks that both sides previously described as constructive and positive.

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