Trump's UN speech sharpens US focus on Latin America before Brazil vote

President Trump's UN General Assembly speech intensified the US focus on Latin America, implicitly targeting Brazil despite not naming it, according to experts and diplomats consulted by BBC News Brasil. This comes just before Brazil's presidential election, which analysts call the region's most decisive in years. Trump reiterated his willingness to use military force to protect US interests in the Western Hemisphere, citing the January capture of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro. He also defended designating Latin American criminal groups as terrorists, including Mexico's drug cartels and Venezuela's Tren de Aragua, a move that experts say indirectly pressures Brazil, especially after the US classified Brazilian gangs PCC and CV as narcoterrorist organizations in May. The speech contrasts with President Lula's UN address, where he rejected foreign interference and said "Brazil does not fit in anyone's backyard." Lula's aides suspect Washington favors challenger Flávio Bolsonaro. Trump's Latin America mentions doubled to 13% of his speech, while China mentions dropped from eight to one, reflecting his administration's regional achievements and potential electoral appeal.