Lula not to approve US ambassador nominee until after elections

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated that the approval of US Ambassador nominee Daniel Perez for the US Embassy in Brasília will not be granted until after the October elections. The president made this announcement on a podcast on Friday, August 14, while also expressing criticism toward the US government's attempts to influence Brazil's domestic affairs.

Lula highlighted that the US had sought two individuals to assess Brazil's voting machines, which the Brazilian government refused to grant visas to, but now wants to quickly approve Perez's appointment before the elections. The president questioned the US's delay in sending an ambassador to Brazil, citing a year and six months without a representative and now only a single envoy arriving with just 45 days remaining before the elections.

Despite his criticism of the US, Lula stressed that Brazil seeks to maintain a positive relationship with the country and avoid conflict. He affirmed his desire for constructive discussions and emphasized that Brazil aims to foster a good relationship with the US. Regarding his rapport with President Donald Trump, Lula stated that the measures taken against Brazil are not directly from the White House, but from individuals within Lula's staff.

He dismissed Trump's dislike for Brazil, attributing tensions to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and labeling him as someone who dislikes both Brazil and Latin America. Lula also addressed the US-imposed tariffs on Brazil, asserting that these claims are false and that invoking Brazil's Reciprocity Law aims to demonstrate that Brazil respects itself and is not easily manipulated.

The president concluded by reaffirming his readiness to defend Brazilian interests in the face of disagreements with the US, stating that he remains calm and prepared to engage in debates about Brazil's defense globally.