Lula’s Disapproval Hits 2024 Low at 51 Percent Support Surges Among Poor and Women After US Tariff Dispute

According to the latest Genial/Quaest poll, Brazilian President Lula’s disapproval rating has dropped to 51%—the lowest since January—while approval has climbed to 46%. The number of people undecided or unwilling to answer stands at just 3%.

Compared with July, disapproval is down 2 points, and approval is up 3 points, extending a two-month positive streak. Although more people still disapprove than approve, the gap is narrowing for the fifth month in a row.

Key drivers for Lula’s rising support include easing food inflation—just 60% now say food prices rose, compared to 76% in July—and his firm stance against former US President Trump’s 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods. Among the poorest Brazilians, Lula’s approval now stands at 55% versus 40% disapproval; in the Northeast, support jumped to 60%. Among women, support increased by 2 points, reaching near parity with opposition (49%).

A striking 84% of respondents were aware of the US tariff dispute, with 71% criticizing Trump’s move and 49% perceiving Lula as defending Brazil’s interests. Still, 77% fear high tariffs will hurt their finances, and 64% worry about food prices climbing as a result. Most (67%) prefer negotiation with the US over retaliation.

The face-to-face survey interviewed 12,150 Brazilians aged 16 and up between August 13–17, with a 2-point margin of error and 95% confidence level.