Trump's attempt to destabilize Lula's government will backfire, says Alex Soros.

247 - The sanctions, tariffs, and threats imposed by US President Donald Trump against Brazil are backfiring on him and, paradoxically, strengthening President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This assessment comes from Alex Soros, chairman of the board of the Open Society Foundations, in [year]. interview granted to FSP during a visit to Brazil.

"Trump is making Lula more popular," said Soros, highlighting that Washington's strategy of pressuring the Brazilian government leaves no room for negotiation. "It's not possible to compromise with Trump. Lula would have to stop being Lula for that to happen, and Brazil would have to cede some of its sovereignty."

Trump as a threat to global sovereignty

In the interview, Soros made a point of placing Brazil within a broader international context. He stated that Trump represents a threat not only to Brazilian sovereignty, but also to that of several other countries.

"The concept of national sovereignty is now part of the center, center-left, and center-right, because Trump's behavior is a threat to sovereignty around the world. Everywhere he has tried to interfere or install a 'proxy,' he has failed," he said.

According to Soros, Trump's attempts to influence elections in different countries resulted in defeats, with the exception of Poland. He believes that, just as Vladimir Putin threatens sovereignty by trying to redraw borders in the war in Ukraine, Trump undermines international stability by seeking to destabilize democratically elected governments.

Pressure on Brazil and criticism of big tech companies.

In Brazil, Trump intensified tariffs and sanctions, which Lula's government interprets as an attempt at "regime change." Soros agrees with this interpretation and denounces the influence of allies of former President Jair Bolsonaro in shaping American policy toward the country.

He also warned of US interference in regulatory decisions related to big tech, citing pressure against the Supreme Court's decision that alters the liability of digital platforms. "Big tech companies are now more powerful than countries. We will need a Rooseveltian moment of antitrust to keep the system fair," he stated.

Political strategy in the US and the 2026 elections.

Regarding the domestic situation in the United States, Soros said that the priority is to defeat Trump at the polls. "The only way out of this situation is through the ballot box. It is very important to preserve people's access and right to vote," he emphasized.

He advocated for investments in progressive media to counter the influence of the right, citing the need for "progressive versions of Rupert Murdoch," the owner of Fox News. "Wealthy Democrats need to understand that we won't have media regulation if we don't defeat this faction of the Republican Party," he stated.

Criticisms of cancel culture and priorities in Brazil

Alex Soros also criticized the left's excesses regarding language and cancel culture. "I'm in favor of freedom of expression. I think progressives may have gone too far with language. I've never liked cancel culture," he said.

In Brazil, the Open Society Foundations prioritizes democratic inclusion, green jobs, climate justice, and support for social movements, especially in the Amazon. Soros emphasized that the foundation works with local partners to promote economic development coupled with environmental protection.

Antisemitism and conflict in Gaza

The leader also addressed the growth of global antisemitism and linked the escalation to the conflict in Gaza. He believes the Israeli government's attacks will be historically seen as genocide, but rejected holding all Jews responsible for Israel's behavior: "Many of the people in the US who were protesting against Israel were Jewish. I can speak on behalf of many American Jews who don't want this done in our name."

The interview shows that Alex Soros sees Trump not only as a political threat, but as a systemic risk to democracy and global sovereignty. In the case of Brazil, he believes that the aggressive actions of the American president reinforce Lula's image, increasing his domestic popularity and projecting him as a symbol of democratic resistance.