The President of Brazil criticizes Trump, stating that he was elected to govern the United States, not to rule the world.

U.S. President Donald Trump's foreign policy, especially his plan to force the United States to occupy the Gaza Strip and relocate Palestinians from there, has been publicly attacked by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. While he acknowledges that the American people elected Trump, Lula stressed in a recent interview with Bahia-based radio stations Metrópole and Sociedade that the former U.S. leader should prioritize domestic administration over trying to dictate international events. "Trump was elected to lead the United States, not to lead the world," he said.

Lula called Trump's plan "practically incomprehensible," raising concerns about what would happen to Palestinians under such a scheme. He maintained that the Palestinians themselves should be in charge of running Gaza and appealed for international assistance to help them rebuild their homes, schools, and hospitals so they can live with honor and dignity. Lula reaffirmed his belief that the events in Gaza constituted a "genocide" and voiced doubt that the United States should be in charge of Gaza's affairs because of its role in supporting Israel's activities there.

Lula also blasted the US for portraying itself as "a symbol of democracy and'sheriff' of the world," calling Trump's remarks regarding the occupation of parts of the country "provocations." In order to promote "democratic and civilized relations with the rest of the world," he emphasized the necessity of international collaboration and respect for national sovereignty. Lula's comments are indicative of larger worries about how concentrated power could erode democratic processes around the globe.