Balance of Power

Lula’s Star Appeal Is Fading in Brazil

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, center, waves to the crowd at Planalto Palace in Brasilia after being sworn in as president in January 2023.
*Photographer: Arthur Menescal/Bloomberg*

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By Travis Waldron

June 10, 2025 at 9:59 AM UTC

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Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was as defiant as ever on a recent trip to Beijing, signing trade and investment deals, calling out Donald Trump and generally basking in a global spotlight he’s long enjoyed.