Analysis: Lula uses criticism of Trump as political capital
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, stated, during a press conference, that "the political situation in Brazil has become dangerous". The statement was made after a reporter questioned the American about the new United States tariffs against Brazil and the designation of Brazilian criminal factions as terrorist organizations by the American government. The episode occurred on the sidelines of the G7 summit, held in Évian-les-Bains, France.
In response, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) said that "Trump talks a lot and listens little". The Brazilian president also added that Trump acts like an emperor when referring to tariffs and the designation of Brazilian factions as terrorists, and stated: "Now, don't meddle in Brazil's elections, because Brazil's elections are Brazil's problem."
Confusion about Bolsonaro's children
During the press conference, when questioned, Trump confused Flávio Bolsonaro (PL), pre-candidate for President, with his brother Eduardo Bolsonaro (PL), sentenced by the STF (Supreme Federal Court) to four years in prison for coercion in the coup plot process.
Eduardo lives in the United States and has not been arrested. CNN International analyst Lourival Sant'Anna assessed that Trump mixed the two into a single figure, probably misinformed about the details of the case. "Trump doesn't even know that Bolsonaro has more than one son," noted Lourival.
Meeting in the corridors of the G7
Trump and Lula quickly crossed paths in the corridors of the event. During the brief meeting, Trump reportedly said "good job" to the Brazilian, in a kind of compliment. For Lourival Sant'Anna, this reinforces the assessment that Trump does not have a negative disposition towards Lula personally.
"Tariffs, designation of terrorist groups are policies of the Trump administration, it is not something directed against President Lula," said the analyst.
Lula as political beneficiary of the clash
CNN Politics analyst Caio Junqueira assessed the impact of the episode: "This dance today is only Lula who profits, it is only Lula who wins". According to him, the PT's historic recipe for winning elections - with left-wing discourse in the campaign and more pragmatic governance - is being greatly helped this year by Trump himself and by Bolsonarism in the United States.
For CNN anchor Thais Herédia, the clash with Trump gives Lula an electoral gift, reinforcing the argument of national sovereignty. Herédia also brought to the analysis the historical context of Lula's political identity, highlighting that the Brazilian told the director of the IMF (International Monetary Fund), Kristalina Georgieva, and the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, in an informal conversation captured by microphones, that he was never left-wing.
The anchor considered that, in a polarized country like Brazil, Lula could never repeat this statement to the electorate. "Let's see how he will use this formula between who he really is and the character he creates to win the election again", said the anchor.
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Source: CNN