Lula warns of AI election meddling; Trump team denies interference

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on Monday that Donald Trump has told interlocutors he will not interfere in Brazil's 2026 election, calling the stance "good" and appropriate for a U.S. president. Lula made the remarks in a CNN International interview with Christiane Amanpour in New York.

In the same interview, Lula said Brazil has detected "some indications of interference" through the use of artificial intelligence, though he did not detail the cases. He singled out Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a concern due to his closeness to the Bolsonaro family.

“The election is something that Brazil is doing independently of the United States.”

Hours later, meeting Senator Bernie Sanders in New York, Lula shifted tone, stating there are currently no concrete signs of U.S. meddling but that the government remains vigilant, especially on social media. He said he does not rule out a future attempt.

The U.S. State Department denied any interference on Tuesday. Spokesperson Amanda Roberson said meddling in other countries' elections is not Washington's strategy and that the choice of Brazil's next president belongs exclusively to Brazilian voters.

Roberson added that the U.S. recognizes Brazil's sovereignty, supports free and transparent elections, and does not favor any candidate. She confirmed Washington is monitoring the race but respects its independence.