Brazil's Lula hits back at Trump over Bolsonaro trial and tariffs

In an op-ed, former Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has responded to US President Donald Trump's recent criticisms of Brazil. Lula criticizes Trump's support for his successor, Jair Bolsonaro, and the US administration's threats to impose tariffs on Brazilian steel and aluminum exports. Lula asserts that Brazil's democracy and sovereignty "are not on the table" and should not be threatened by the US. He defends his own legal battles, which have seen him imprisoned on corruption charges, as a political attack. Lula argues that the US should not interfere in Brazil's internal affairs or attempt to influence its political processes. The article highlights the ongoing tensions between the US and Brazil under the leadership of Trump and Bolsonaro, two populist, right-wing leaders. Lula's response underscores Brazil's desire to maintain its independence and resist perceived US meddling in its domestic matters.