Lula Accuses Trump of Seeking to ‘Colonise’ Brazil and Control Its Resources

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s campaign has accused Donald Trump of seeking to ‘colonise’ Brazil and gain access to its natural resources by influencing the October election. A campaign advert claims Trump supports Lula’s main rival, Flávio Bolsonaro, and says a Bolsonaro victory could advance U.S. interests. However, the U.S. State Department has rejected the allegations and called claims of American election interference a ‘baseless lie.’

Lula has also warned that political support, economic pressure and foreign influence could affect Brazil’s sovereignty and electoral process. He has accused Bolsonaro of wanting to hand Brazil’s natural resources to the United States and said Brazil could become a ‘colony again.’ With the first-round vote set for October 4, the allegations have made foreign influence and national sovereignty key issues in the campaign.

Trump’s Support for Flávio Bolsonaro Deepens US-Brazil Tensions

President Donald Trump has publicly backed Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro ahead of the October presidential election. Flávio, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, is challenging President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Trump invited Flávio to the Oval Office in May and later praised him as a ‘smart young man.’ Flávio has also received support from Argentine President Javier Milei and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In July 2026, the Trump administration imposed new tariffs on Brazilian goods, including a threat of 50% import duties, which Lula called ‘economic blackmail.’ At the UN General Assembly on September 22, Lula declared that Brazil was ‘nobody’s backyard’ and called for domestic benefits from resource extraction. He also warned that wealthy foreign business owners could use major communication platforms to influence Brazilian elections. Meanwhile, Washington sanctioned Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes over his role in Jair Bolsonaro’s case, although the sanctions were later lifted following diplomatic efforts. The U.S. also designated two major Brazilian drug gangs as terrorist organisations, a move Lula criticised. Together, disputes over tariffs, critical minerals, foreign influence and judicial sanctions have deepened tensions between Brasília and Washington.

Lula Links Election Interference Claims to Brazil’s Natural Resources

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has linked concerns over foreign interference to Brazil’s vast mineral wealth. Brazil has the world’s second-largest rare-earth reserves after China, making it an important player in critical-mineral supply chains. Lula argues that outside powers may seek influence over the October election because of these resources. He has also stressed that Brazil should process its minerals domestically to create jobs, develop technology and retain more economic value.

At a summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in Bogotá, Lula warned that wealthy nations had historically taken gold, silver and diamonds from the region and could now seek greater control over critical minerals. Meanwhile, Washington has shown interest in Brazil’s mining sector, and Trump and Lula discussed possible cooperation on critical minerals during their May White House meeting. However, no formal partnership had been agreed at the time. Lula has insisted that Brazil must protect its natural resources and sovereignty, making mineral policy an important part of the debate ahead of the October election.

Web Resources On Lula Says Trump Wants to ‘Colonise’ Brazil

1. Guardian : Lula says Trump wants to ‘colonise’ and capture Brazil’s resources by meddling in election.
2. PBS : Brazil’s Lula warns against foreign interference in elections, urges leaders to respond to global conflicts.
3. Reuters : At the UN, Brazil’s Lula warns against foreign interference in upcoming election