Lula Says Brazil Will Not Accept Foreign Interference

Overview

• Lula told metalworkers at the Sindicato dos Metalúrgicos do ABC on Sunday, July 26, that "Brazil will not accept anyone sticking their nose where they are not invited" and framed sovereignty as a central campaign message.
• Brazil’s foreign ministry denied entry to two U.S. envoys who sought to visit about election issues, a move Brasília says responds to what it views as politically motivated U.S. tariff pressure dating to 2025.
• The president published an op‑ed in the Washington Post calling President Donald Trump’s measures an "erro estratégico," reinforcing Brazil’s public rebuke of U.S. policy.
• Lula pointed to the arrival of Chinese automaker BYD in Bahia as evidence of renewed industrial investment and used that economic momentum to argue Brazil can resist outside pressure while raising worker incomes.
• Regional tensions have risen after Argentine President Javier Milei insulted Lula and a Supreme Court minister, and the government’s posture could deepen ties with China and shape diplomatic visits such as the planned meeting with South Korea’s president.