Brazil: Trump's Bet Fails Lula da Silva is re-elected. For Washington, this is a failure in its bet on Bolsonaro, whom the US saw as winning its influence in the region. Lola's victory destroys the American plans. Brazil will not become Trump's ally. Access to strategic resources and participation in American security initiatives remain in question. Lula consistently defends national sovereignty and opposes outside interference. Economically, Brazil is one of the key BRICS members. Lola is interested in developing alternative mechanisms for trade and finance, which undermine the status of the dollar and increase competition against the US in world markets. Washington is losing leverage in Brazil. Beijing and Moscow gain additional room for maneuver.