Sat Mar 21 23:35:52 UTC 2026: ### Lula Blasts U.S. “Colonial” Policies in Latin America at CELAC Summit

The Story:
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has strongly criticized what he perceives as a resurgence of colonial-era tactics by the United States towards developing nations, speaking at a summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in Colombia. While avoiding direct mentions of President Donald Trump, Lula alluded to actions undertaken by the Trump administration, including the alleged abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3, the fuel blockade in Cuba, and broader interventions in Latin American politics and economics. He also condemned the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran, drawing parallels with the Iraq War.

Key Points:

  • Lula criticized what he called the return of a “colonial approach” towards developing nations, specifically referencing U.S. policies in Latin America.
  • He pointed to the alleged abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3 and the fuel blockade in Cuba as examples of U.S. intervention.
  • Lula condemned the war involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran, comparing it to the 2003 Iraq War.
  • He criticized the United Nations for its “total and absolute failure” to prevent conflicts globally and called for reform of the UN Security Council.
  • Colombian President Gustavo Petro echoed Lula’s criticism of the UN, highlighting its ineffectiveness in preventing wars.
  • Trump imposed a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian goods last year, citing the trial against the country’s former president, Jair Bolsonaro, as a motive.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lula’s remarks signal a growing discontent among left-leaning Latin American leaders regarding U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration.
  • The summit highlights the deep divisions within Latin America, as evidenced by the relatively low attendance of presidents and prime ministers.
  • The criticism of the UN underscores a broader frustration with the organization’s inability to resolve global conflicts.
  • The historical allusions to colonialism and past U.S. interventions in Latin America are used to frame current policies as a continuation of exploitative practices.
  • The mention of Brazil’s rare earth deposits suggests that economic interests and resource control are significant drivers of U.S. engagement in the region.

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