Brazil’s Lula da Silva Arrives in New York for UN General Assembly

Socialist leader Luis Inacio Lula da Silva landed in New York on Sunday to kick off the UN General Assembly’s annual “high-level debate,” where he is set to oppose President Donald Trump’s conservative policies, as reported by various Brazilian media.

Lula, a convicted felon for corruption, has stirred considerable diplomatic tensions between Brazil and the United States, which have historically enjoyed strong ties. The fallout has been significant, creating a divide in their two-century relationship, now strained as Brazil’s foreign policy increasingly aligns with countries like China and Russia. At home, Lula has faced accusations of aggressively targeting conservative figures.

A Brazilian report indicated that Lula aims to act as a direct counter to Trump’s agenda. Surprisingly, neither the White House nor the Brazilian palace has planned a meeting between the two leaders. As one Brazilian publication put it, “There is no request for a bilateral meeting that could be seen as degrading for Brazil.” A seasoned former Brazilian ambassador described the current state of diplomatic relations as possibly the worst they have ever been.

Trump has criticized the treatment of former president Jair Bolsonaro, Lula’s predecessor, who is currently imprisoned after being convicted of actions labeled as “crimes against democracy.” Bolsonaro received a 27-year sentence and has been banned from holding public office for the next eight years. Following this, Brazilian authorities have opened further investigations into how Bolsonaro managed the pandemic, leading to significant penalties against him.

In retaliation to the crackdown on Bolsonaro and other conservatives in Brazil, Trump designated the country a “national security threat” in July, implementing a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports and imposing sanctions on Brazilian judicial figures.

Reports suggest that Lula and his administration will use the General Assembly to criticize what they see as “unilateral sanctions and the use of economic and military threats.” Despite this, they seem to be steering clear of direct confrontations with Trump. According to tradition, Trump will speak shortly after Lula. Lula’s speeches are likely to diverge significantly from Trump’s viewpoints, particularly in areas like support for Israel and his stance on Hamas. Lula is also expected to advocate for increased investments in combating climate change, contrasting with Trump’s push for reduced U.S. international aid.

Last year, under President Joe Biden, Brazilian officials used their platform at the UN to stress the importance of collaboration on climate issues and criticized Israel’s military actions against Hamas. Lula previously asserted that “defending democracy requires active opposition to hate, intolerance, and extremist agendas.” It’s a broad stance that includes addressing the threats posed by authoritarianism.

The UN General Assembly has served as a significant venue for global leaders to express their agendas since World War II. Brazil has historically been a vocal participant, starting in 1955, and has continued to share its perspectives annually. The U.S. plays its part as the host of the UN headquarters as well.

Aside from his main speech, Lula is likely to sidestep Trump’s critiques regarding authoritarianism at a separate event addressing “Defense of Democracy.” Notably, the U.S. was not invited to participate in that event, a decision noted by Brazilian outlets. Lula has maintained that this year’s invitees are consistent, except for those whose governments have shifted rightward.

Lula did not signal any intentions to reconcile with Washington prior to his trip. In fact, he has suggested that had Trump faced justice in Brazil akin to Lula’s own challenges, the outcome would have been similar. “If President Trump had behaved in Brazil as he did in the U.S., he would also face consequences,” Lula remarked in a recent interview.

His sentiments continued with a critique of Trump, labeling his actions as anti-democratic globally. Upon arriving in New York, Lula was met with protests, where some demonstrators chanted accusations of theft against him, while others backed him, waving flags of his Workers’ Party.