Lula challenges Rubio to set up a committee for Flávio: 'Bring it on'

The statement was made this Monday (20), during the PDT national convention, in Brasília. At the event, the party officially supported the PT member's re-election attempt and confirmed its participation in the PT-led alliance in the 2026 elections.

“If American Secretary of State Marco Rubio wants to come and support my opponent, let him come, let him set up the committee, because we are going to defeat everyone in the name of defending democracy in this country,” said Lula.

Before the provocation, the president accused Brazilian politicians of turning to the North American government to try to impose sanctions on the country. “Today we have not one, but several traitors who go to the United States to ask to impose punishment on Brazil,” he declared.

Rubio met with Flávio Bolsonaro in Washington in May, during the senator's trip to the United States. The pre-candidate also had meetings with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

Lula's criticism came after the Trump administration imposed 25% tariffs on thousands of Brazilian products. The topic began to occupy space in the presidential dispute, with the PT member and Flávio exchanging accusations about responsibility for the increase in rates.

At the PDT convention, Lula linked the clash with the United States to the defense of national sovereignty. According to him, decisions about Brazil's future must be made internally, without interference from other countries.

"Here we make mistakes for ourselves. We get things right for us. And here no one says what we are going to do. Here we decide what to do, because that means us walking back with our heads held high and defending our sovereignty", he said.

National president of the PDT, Carlos Lupi also criticized Trump and stated that the party will support Lula from the first round. The former Social Security Minister called the PT member the “only antidote” against the North American president.

"Today you represent the only antidote to the disgrace called Trump. You rescue the history of the Brazilian people, of Brizola, of the Brazilians who died serving the nation. You are a patriot", said Lupi.

When thanking the support, Lula cited Leonel Brizola, founder of the PDT, and criticized the deterioration of the Brazilian political debate in recent years.

“I think Brazil misses the time when we used to do politics in this country, with a little decency, respectability for the Brazilian people, because politics in recent years has rotted,” he stated.

The PDT is the first party to officially join Lula's coalition for this year's election. The president also has the support of PSB, PSOL, Rede, PV and PCdoB.

The convention brought together the president of the PT, Edinho Silva, members of the federal government and PED leaders, including Carlos Lupi, Juliana Brizola, André Figueiredo, Afonso Motta, Leila Barros and Celso Sabino.

Flávio will have 20% less time on TV than Lula if he continues to be isolated

Senator wants alliance to increase presence on television and radio, targeting low-income voters. With support from the left, PT member will have one more minute than Bolsonarist during election time