Flávio Bolsonaro lobbies US to suspend 25% tariff on Brazilian goods, Lula brands family traitors
Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, travelled to Washington and testified before the U.S. Trade Representative’s office, urging a delay of the Trump administration’s proposed 25% tariff on Brazilian products until after Brazil’s October 2026 election. He argued that the tariffs would hand a political victory to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the incumbent, and asked that the measure be suspended to preserve trade and the Brazilian payment system Pix.
The United States justified the tariffs by citing alleged violations such as illegal deforestation and unfair electronic‑payment practices. Lula responded by accusing the Bolsonaro family of “treason” and “betraying the nation,” saying the tariff dispute was orchestrated by them to undermine Brazil’s sovereignty. Other politicians, including PSD leader Gilberto Kassab, echoed Lula’s view, noting that the tariff controversy has boosted Lula’s poll standing and damaged the Bolsonaro brand.
The episode has become a focal point of the pre‑election political battle, linking trade policy with domestic electoral rivalry between Lula and the Bolsonaro camp.