Flávio criticizes Lula again when commenting on Rubio's post that indicates tariffs as a political act

Senator and presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) once again criticized President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) and held him responsible for the United States' decision to impose a 25% surcharge on Brazilian products, announced this Wednesday (15). The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) confirmed the proposal for a new "tariff" with an extensive list of exempt items. The measure comes into force on July 22. ?The decision is the result of a USTR trade investigation that took a year, based on Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, a mechanism that allows the American government to investigate and combat possible trade barriers in other countries. Tariff: USA confirms 25% charge on Brazilian products On social media, Flávio commented on the decision and blamed President Lula for the North American sanction. He also compared him to former president Joe Biden. "Lula is no longer fit to be president of Brazil. We are on a plane without a pilot. The Brazilian Biden is surly, inconsequential and has become a danger to our nation," said the senator. He continued: "Whoever looks at Lula doesn't see the future. They see the past, delay, uncertainty, distrust, corruption, incompetence, revenge… Enough! Brazil has a future, but it has no more time to waste!" Pre-candidate for president Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) live on July 13, 2026 Reproduction READ ALSO Government predicts reduced impact of possible new US taxes on Brazil; exports have already shown 'resilience' Rubio is 'anti-Latin America' and does not like Brazil, says Lula about Trump's secretary Criticism of Marco Rubio The senator responded to a post on social media by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, in which the North American argues that the policies adopted by the Brazilian government are "bad for Americans and bad for Brazilians" and accuses Lula of not negotiating in good faith with the United States. "Over the last year, Lula has put his own ego above reaching an agreement for the well-being of the Brazilian people, and these tariffs are the price to pay for that," Rubio wrote. The statements reinforce the view, already defended by members of the Brazilian government, that the decision has a political component. The interpretation, however, contrasts with the version officially presented by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the body responsible for the investigation that resulted in the tariff. At a press conference after the measure was released, a USTR official rejected the idea that the surcharge was motivated by political differences with the Lula government. The current Secretary of State maintains relations with the family of former president Jair Bolsonaro (PL). The rapprochement began in 2018 and, last month, Rubio welcomed Bolsonaro's children to the USA. Marco Rubio and Flávio Bolsonaro Reproduction/Social Networks/@FlavioBolsonaro On the occasion, Flávio stated that during the meeting the possibility of the United States designating the criminal factions Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV) as terrorist organizations was discussed. The senator stated that the secretary is in favor of the measure. Two days later, the US State Department - headed by Rubio - announced that it would classify the factions as terrorist organizations. In a statement that day, Rubio stated that "the CV and the PCC are two of the most violent criminal organizations in Brazil." Government criticizes decision In a statement released after the announcement, the government classified the decision as a "regrettable milestone" in the relationship between the two countries, and "repudiates the decision" announced this Wednesday. President Lula also stated that he will activate the reciprocity law. "There is no justification for unilateral measures against our country. According to statistics from the US government itself, the US has accumulated US$424.5 billion in surplus of goods and services with Brazil in the last 15 years." According to the note, "Over the last year, the Brazilian government has worked uninterruptedly with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to close investigations based on Section 301, presenting evidence that refutes each of the allegations about alleged unfair trade practices adopted by Brazil." They also argued that criticism of Pix and the regulation of digital platforms are "unreasonable", just as "accusations about deforestation are absurd". Read the demonstration in full here.