Michel Temer: Donald Trump Could Be 'Biggest Electoral Asset' for Lula in 2026

Temer's Assessment: Trump as an Unintentional Ally

Former Brazilian President Michel Temer asserted on September 18, 2025, that former U.S. President Donald Trump could serve as 'the biggest electoral asset' for current Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the upcoming 2026 elections, even if unintentionally. Temer made these remarks during an event in São Paulo, the AGF Day 2025. He elaborated that Trump's past policies and criticisms inadvertently strengthened Lula's political standing by enabling him to champion national sovereignty.

According to Temer, Lula's popularity saw a boost when he adopted a discourse defending national sovereignty, particularly in response to Trump's decision to impose 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods and his critiques of judicial decisions concerning former President Jair Bolsonaro. These actions, Temer suggested, allowed Lula to present himself as a defender of Brazilian interests on the international stage.

Calls for Dialogue Amidst Strained Relations

Despite his analysis of Trump's potential impact, Temer also advocated for direct communication between the two leaders. He repeatedly urged President Lula to initiate a phone call with Trump to discuss the existing tariffs, expressing confidence that Trump would answer. Temer emphasized that such dialogue is crucial for Brazil's interests, transcending electoral considerations. He highlighted the importance of maintaining an institutional relationship between the presidents of Brazil and the United States.

However, President Lula has previously stated that he has 'no relationship' with Donald Trump and has openly criticized the U.S. tariffs on Brazilian products as politically motivated. Lula has indicated an unwillingness to 'humiliate' himself by contacting Trump, despite Trump's past remarks suggesting Lula could call him anytime. The relationship between Lula and Trump is widely perceived as strained due to their ideological differences, a stark contrast to Trump's close ties with Bolsonaro during his presidency.

The 2026 Brazilian Electoral Landscape

The next Brazilian general elections are scheduled for October 4, 2026, where voters will elect the president, vice president, and members of the National Congress, among other positions. President Lula is eligible to seek a fourth term and currently leads in various opinion polls for the 2026 presidential race. This includes hypothetical matchups against potential candidates such as Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently ineligible to run for office until 2030 due to an abuse of power conviction, and other figures from the right-wing, including Bolsonaro's wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, and son, Eduardo Bolsonaro.

Despite Lula's current lead in polls, a significant portion of the Brazilian electorate, approximately 59%, believes he should not seek re-election. The political landscape remains complex, with various contenders vying for influence in the absence of Bolsonaro's direct participation.