A poll by AtlasIntel found that 62.2% of Brazilians view Trump’s tariff move as an attack on national sovereignty, with many believing it is retaliation for Lula’s foreign policy, particularly Brazil’s role in BRICS and the prosecution of former president Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro faces trial over his alleged role in the January 8, 2023 Brasília riots and an alleged plot to assassinate Lula and other top officials.

Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of the former president, claimed credit for influencing U.S. policy. Still, 63.2% of Brazilians now view Trump negatively — up from 47% in late 2023 — while his approval has fallen to 31.9%.

Lula Gains Political Momentum Amid U.S. Dispute

President Lula’s response — promising reciprocal tariffs and asserting Brazil can withstand U.S. economic pressure — has resonated domestically. His disapproval rating dropped to 50.3%, while approval rose to 49.7% in July. Nearly 48% of Brazilians believe Trump’s tariffs would significantly impact Brazil’s economy, with 70% anticipating higher inflation.

Meanwhile, 51.2% favor retaliatory duties, and nearly one-third suggest deeper ties with China. The number of Brazilians who say Lula represents the country better on the world stage than Bolsonaro rose to 61.1%.

With elections approaching in 2026, Lula’s firm stance appears to have rallied national sentiment, positioning him as a defender of sovereignty amid external pressure.