Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has sharply criticized United States President Donald Trump, accusing him of attempting to reshape global governance by creating what Lula described as a parallel version of the United Nations, controlled largely by Washington. His remarks come days after Trump unveiled a new international initiative called the Board of Peace during an event in Switzerland.
Speaking at a public event in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul on Friday, Lula said the US president appeared less interested in reforming existing multilateral institutions than in replacing them altogether. According to Lula, rather than strengthening the UN, Trump was pushing a structure where authority would rest with a single power. He also mocked Trump’s communication style, saying the American leader seemed intent on governing the world through social media commentary.
Lula noted that Trump’s frequent public statements often dominate global discussion, arguing that this constant cycle of announcements and reactions undermines diplomacy and stability. He warned that the principles underpinning international cooperation were being eroded and described the current global environment as sliding toward what he called the law of the jungle, where power outweighs agreed rules. In his view, the UN Charter, which forms the basis of modern multilateralism, is being steadily weakened.
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The Brazilian leader’s comments followed a phone call a day earlier with Chinese President Xi Jinping. During that conversation, Xi urged Brazil to work with other nations to preserve the central role of the United Nations in international affairs, a message that aligns closely with Lula’s long-standing support for multilateral institutions.
Lula’s criticism comes against the backdrop of broader shifts in US foreign policy. The Trump administration has withdrawn from numerous UN agencies and bodies while advancing an America First approach that relies heavily on tariffs, military pressure, and bilateral deals. These moves have unsettled several US allies, raising doubts about Washington’s reliability as a partner within established international frameworks.
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Trump formally launched the Board of Peace on Thursday during a signing ceremony held in Davos, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. The forum itself has increasingly positioned itself as an alternative space for global decision-making outside traditional UN structures. The new board includes several high-profile figures, among them Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces accusations of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Israeli military operations in Gaza have also resulted in the deaths of hundreds of staff members from the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.
Although US officials initially suggested the Board of Peace would focus on overseeing postwar reconstruction in Gaza, the group’s 11-page draft charter makes no reference to the territory. This omission has fueled speculation that the board’s mandate could extend far beyond a single conflict.
Meanwhile, the United Nations is grappling with serious funding challenges. Established after World War II, the organisation operates on an annual regular budget of about $3.72 billion. The United States is expected to contribute roughly $820 million for 2025 but has fallen behind on payments under Trump’s administration. In contrast, the Board of Peace charter proposes a $1 billion contribution from member states seeking to retain their status beyond three years, highlighting a stark difference in priorities and structure.