Trump slaps 50 percent tariff on Brazil, citing Bolsonaro prosecution
Share and Follow


President Trump on Wednesday announced plans to impose a 50 percent tariff on all goods from Brazil, in part due to the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro over an alleged plot to remain in power after losing an election.

Trump, who has criticized Brazil’s treatment of Bolsonaro in recent days, cited the ongoing trial in a letter to current Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

“The way that Brazil has treated former President Bolsonaro, a Highly Respected Leader throughout the World during his Term, including by the United States, is an international disgrace. This Trial should not be taking place. It is a Witch Hunt that should end IMMEDIATELY!” Trump wrote.

The president said the U.S. would impose a 50 percent tariff on Brazil, effective Aug. 1, “due in part to Brazil’s insidious attacks on Free Elections and the fundamental Free Speech Rights of Americans.” Trump also cited Brazil’s “Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers.”

This week, Trump announced steep tariffs against more than a dozen other nations that will go into effect on Aug. 1, following through on “reciprocal” tariffs he first announced in April.

The letter to Brazil underscores that Trump is not basing his tariffs against other nations solely on economic policy, but that it may also be influenced by personal animus. Earlier Wednesday, Trump said he was calculating tariff rates based on “common sense, based on deficits, based on how we’ve been treated over the years.”

Trump and Bolsonaro have expressed mutual admiration in the past, and Bolsonaro’s efforts to remain in power carried echoes of Trump’s refusal to concede after losing the 2020 election.

Bolsonaro and dozens of allies were charged in February in connection with a plot to remain in power after the 2022 election. Bolsonaro, who has claimed he is being politically targeted, testified in the trial last month.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Florida man allegedly dumped cremated mother of four's remains alongside 500 pounds of trash

Florida Man Accused of Disposing Cremated Remains of Mother of Four Amidst 500 Pounds of Debris

In a disturbing incident in Florida, a man is accused of discarding…
Kids rescue beloved neighbor from house fire in Indiana

Heroic Kids Save Beloved Neighbor from Devastating Indiana House Fire

A heartwarming story of courage and community unfolded in Blackford County, Indiana,…
States are pushing for more scrutiny of antisemitism in schools

States Advocate for Increased Oversight of Antisemitism in Schools

Two years after the Oct. 7 assault on Israel by Hamas, high…
With SNAP paused, food pantry workers fill in the gaps

How Food Pantry Heroes Are Bridging the Gap Amid SNAP Suspension

The Supreme Court has issued a temporary stay on a lower court…
Sydney Sweeney's movie Christy tanks after American Eagle controversy

Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Christy’ Faces Box Office Struggle Amidst American Eagle Backlash

The debut of Sydney Sweeney’s new film, “Christy,” was far from a…
US airlines' daily cancellations exceed 2,700 as shutdown impact extends

Over 2,700 US Flights Cancelled Daily Amid Ongoing Shutdown Effects

WASHINGTON (AP) — On Sunday, a staggering 2,700 flights were canceled by…
Democrats shift toward reopening government as key Virginia lawmaker backs deal

Virginia Lawmaker’s Support Paves Way for Democrats’ Strategic Push to Reopen Government

On Sunday, Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, representing over 144,000 federal employees,…
Shots fired at Border Patrol agents in Little Village: DHS

DHS Reports Gunfire Directed at Border Patrol Agents in Chicago

CHICAGO (WGN) – Reports of gunfire targeted U.S. Border Patrol agents during…