Lula Criticizes US Foreign Policy, Accuses Washington of Neo-Colonialism
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has sharply criticized what he termed a return to colonial approaches by developed nations, particularly the United States, during a summit in Colombia. While Lula refrained from directly naming US President Donald Trump, his remarks clearly referenced actions undertaken by the Trump administration, including the January 3, 2026, apprehension of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the ongoing economic pressure on Cuba.
Accusations of a New Colonialism
“It’s not possible for someone to think that they own other countries,” Lula stated, in an apparent reference to US policy. “What are they doing with Cuba now? What did they do with Venezuela? Is that democratic?”
Addressing delegates at the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) summit, which included a forum with African representatives, Lula asserted that nations had already been exploited for their gold, silver, diamonds, and minerals. He expressed concern that developed nations now seek to control critical minerals and rare earths, warning of a renewed attempt at colonization. [Source: Latin American Post]
Criticism of US Actions and UN Ineffectiveness
Lula also criticized the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel in Iran, drawing parallels to the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq based on claims of “weapons of mass destruction.” He questioned the validity of these past justifications, asking, “Where are Saddam Hussein’s chemical weapons? Where are they? Who found them?” [Source: Indian Express]
The Brazilian president voiced frustration with the United Nations’ inability to prevent conflicts globally, citing situations in Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran as evidence of its failure. He reiterated calls for reform of the UN Security Council, highlighting the veto power held by its five permanent members – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States – as a barrier to effective action.
US Intervention in Latin America
Washington’s history of intervention in Latin America dates back over 200 years. While large-scale overt involvement diminished after the Cold War, the Trump administration has revived aspects of this legacy. [Source: Latin American Post] Since taking office, the US has conducted naval operations against alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean, imposed a naval blockade on Venezuelan oil exports, and intervened in electoral processes in Honduras and Argentina.
In 2025, Trump imposed a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian goods, citing the legal proceedings against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro as justification. The US has also demonstrated interest in Brazil’s reserves of rare earth minerals.
The apprehension of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by US forces on January 3, 2026, and his subsequent transport to New York to face charges, has been met with praise from some US allies but has raised concerns among left-leaning politicians in the region, who view it as an example of US overreach.
Seeking Pragmatic Relations
Lula, who intends to seek a fourth, non-consecutive term in Brazil’s October 2026 elections, emphasized the need for a pragmatic relationship with the United States. He aims to emulate the approach taken by Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who fostered a cordial relationship with Trump despite previous tensions. [Source: The Dialogue] Discussions are expected to include mining policy, as Brazil seeks investment to enhance its refining capacity for iron, lithium, rare earths, and other minerals.