Lula’s Win Denies Trump A Powerful Ally

October 26, 2026 5:07 am

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Brazilian voters have denied Latin America’s resurgent right its ultimate prize. Leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva defeated Flávio Bolsonaro with 51.8% of the vote in Sunday’s runoff election. Lula’s reelection limits U.S. President Donald Trump’s influence in the region and cements Brazil as a counterweight to Washington. Analysts say Lula’s victory complicates Trump’s campaign to enlist Brazil in a military coalition against cartels. Both sides see reasons to cooperate, with Washington seeking access to Brazil’s rare earths and Lula wanting foreign investment. Lula’s pragmatic approach may lead to cooperation despite political differences.