Former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro publicly appealed to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Saturday, reading an open letter during an event in Acre that urged the Brazilian leader to pursue dialogue and “lower the weapons of provocation” following the latest trade clash with Washington. Michelle Bolsonaro criticised Lula for what she called a “desire for vengeance” and warned that Brazil risks international isolation after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods. She said such sanctions are normally reserved for authoritarian regimes and accused the government of being guided by “sick ideologies” that could damage the country’s reputation and economy. The letter comes amid an escalating dispute that has roiled ties between Brasília and Washington. Lula responded separately on social media, pledging to adopt measures to protect Brazilian companies and workers while defending the nation’s sovereignty. Trump has said he is willing to speak with Lula “at some point, but not now.”