Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva hit back on Monday at recent threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on countries that align themselves with BRICS.

U.S. President Donald Trump is hosting five West African leaders at a “multilateral lunch” as their region reels from the impact of U.S. aid cuts.

In an interview with TV Globo, Lula explained that, for now, he does not intend to call Trump but will defend the Brazilian productive sector by opening new markets. The president noted that the American’s tone is disrespectful and that he will not accept such behavior.

Brazil's Lula pledged support for Prabowo's free nutritious meal program during a meeting in Braslia on July 9, 2025, after the BRICS Summit in Rio.