Lula Says Trump ‘Talks Too Much and Listens Too Little’ in Renewed G7 Criticism
Brazilian president also called the US leader’s behavior “outrageous” and said he still acts like an “emperor” as trade tensions simmer between the two nations.
ÉVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has renewed his criticism of Donald Trump, saying the U.S. president “talks too much and listens too little” as the two leaders attended the G7 summit in France without holding a bilateral meeting .
During a press conference at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains on Wednesday, Lula elaborated on his long-running critique of Trump’s leadership style, stating that the U.S. president “still acts like an emperor” .
“I think what he did was outrageous to Brazil, and he knows it. That’s why I said he still acts like an emperor,” Lula told reporters .
‘I Don’t Want to Just Talk’
Lula’s comment about Trump’s communication style came as he explained why he had delivered a written document about combating organized crime to the U.S. president rather than relying on verbal discussion .
“I gave it to him in writing, because I don’t just want to talk. Because President Trump talks too much and listens too little,” Lula said .
The Brazilian president noted that he did not request a bilateral meeting with Trump at the G7 because the two countries remain in an active negotiation over trade tariffs .
Background Tensions
The exchange comes amid ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and Brazil. The Trump administration recently concluded a trade investigation against Brazil and recommended imposing an additional 25% tariff on Brazilian products, along with a 12.5% surcharge related to allegations of insufficient action against forced labor .
Earlier this month, the U.S. also designated two major Brazilian criminal organizations—the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV)—as terrorist entities, a move Lula described as an infringement on Brazilian sovereignty .
Lula has previously accused members of former President Jair Bolsonaro’s family of lobbying for U.S. intervention in Brazil’s domestic affairs, calling them “traitors” .
A Pattern of Criticism
Wednesday’s remarks are not the first time Lula has used the “emperor” comparison. Last year, during a BRICS summit, Lula said “the world doesn’t want an emperor” when commenting on Trump’s tariff threats .
In April, Lula again criticized what he described as American attempts to impose decisions on other countries .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What exactly did Lula say about Trump at the G7?
A: Lula said Trump “talks too much and listens too little” and “still acts like an emperor.” He also described Trump’s recent trade actions toward Brazil as “outrageous” .
Q2: Did Lula and Trump meet at the G7 summit?
A: No. Lula did not request a bilateral meeting with Trump during the summit, stating that Brazil and the U.S. are currently engaged in trade negotiations and that Trump’s actions had been “outrageous” to Brazil . The two leaders did not exchange greetings after the official G7 “family photo” session .
Q3: Why is Lula criticizing Trump?
A: The criticism stems from trade tensions. The Trump administration has recommended imposing additional tariffs on Brazilian products and designated Brazilian criminal organizations as terrorist entities, which Lula views as an infringement on Brazil’s sovereignty .
Q4: Is this the first time Lula has called Trump an “emperor”?
A: No. Lula previously used the term during a BRICS summit last year and in April 2026, when he criticized American attempts to impose decisions on other countries .
This is a developing story. Reflecto News will continue to provide updates on U.S.-Brazil relations and trade negotiations between the two countries.
