According to a Quaest survey, 72% of Brazilians believe Trump’s stance is misguided. He has claimed that Lula’s administration is targeting former President Jair Bolsonaro (2019–2023), who is currently under investigation for an alleged coup attempt.

Trump’s measure imposes a 50 percent tariff on all domestic products exported to the United States starting August 1. This has been strongly criticized by Lula’s government, which considers it political retaliation motivated by Trump’s criticism of the Supreme Court and his defense of Bolsonaro.

Furthermore, a significant 79 percent of those surveyed believe these tariffs could impact their lives or those of their families. Only 17 percent think there would be no direct effect.

The survey results also notes an upswing in Lula’s approval rating: 43 percent positively rate his administration, up from 40 percent in May, while disapproval fell from 57 percent to 53 percent.

According to Quaest, this growth is especially concentrated in the middle class, among citizens with higher education, and in the southeast region, the country’s industrial and financial heartland. The debate is reaching such a point that it is having repercussions in the National Congress.

Economists emphasize that Brazilian exports to the United States cover sensitive sectors, such as steel, aluminum, and agricultural products, and that any additional barriers would affect the local production chain.

Recently, political scientist Paulo Roberto de Sousa stated that Lula’s administration could turn the US offensive into a domestic political advantage.

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