Brazilian election rivals bring Trump into campaign

In Brazil around 28 May 2026, Flávio Bolsonaro and Lula brought Trump into the election campaign after the US classified the groups PCC and CV as terrorists. Flávio Bolsonaro insists Trump treat CV and PCC as terrorists to pressure Lula, and said he has done “more for Brazil” than Lula. His campaign sees the US move as an electoral asset after a meeting with Trump.

Lula’s government is weighing the tone of its reaction because it fears it could sound like “protection of criminals”. Lula allies accuse Flávio Bolsonaro of arranging US interference, and Boulos spoke of a militia. A Lula adviser said CV and PCC are a problem, not a pretext for US intervention.