Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has told U.S. President Donald Trump to "stay out" of Brazil's upcoming election, pushing back against comments made by the American leader about the country's political situation.
Speaking on Wednesday, Lula said Trump was entitled to favour a particular candidate but should not interfere in Brazil's democratic process.
His remarks came after Trump described Brazil as "a little rough" and "dangerous politically" while speaking to reporters.
"They play pretty tough, but nobody plays tougher than the United States," Trump said.
The exchange is the latest sign of tension between the two leaders, who were both attending the final day of the G7 summit in Switzerland.
Lula is seeking another term in October's presidential election. His main rival in opinion polls is Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro and a close ally of Trump.
Jair Bolsonaro is currently under house arrest after being convicted last year of plotting a coup following Brazil's 2022 election.
Trump met Flavio Bolsonaro and his brother Eduardo Bolsonaro in the United States last month. The meeting took place only weeks after Trump had held talks with Lula.
Eduardo Bolsonaro, a former congressman who now lives in the United States, was convicted by Brazil's Supreme Court on Tuesday of seeking support from the Trump administration in connection with his father's legal case. He denies wrongdoing.
The case has drawn criticism from Washington.
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said Eduardo Bolsonaro's conviction reflected a "pattern of persecution and lawfare by the Brazilian courts against their political opposition".
"Political debates should be settled by democratic elections, not by convictions." he added.
The dispute has added another layer of strain to relations between both countries as Brazil heads towards a closely watched election campaign.
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