Brazil Slams Rubio's Remarks as Tensions With US Escalate

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira has strongly criticized US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accusing him of "attacking" President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in a "crude and arrogant" manner as diplomatic tensions between the two countries intensified.

Vieira described Rubio's remarks as "unacceptable" and "offensive" after the US official claimed that Brazil had failed to negotiate in good faith over recently imposed 25% tariffs on Brazilian exports and alleged that President Lula had placed his personal interests ahead of the country's.

Speaking in Brasília, Vieira rejected the accusations, insisting that Brazil had engaged constructively throughout months of negotiations and arguing that Washington's demands effectively amounted to a request for Brazil's "capitulation."

He also maintained that the US tariffs were unjustified and lacked any factual basis, underscoring Brazil's determination to defend its national interests while seeking a balanced resolution to the trade dispute.