A sudden and severe trade conflict erupted Wednesday between the United States and Brazil after President Donald Trump pledged to impose a 50% tariff on all Brazilian imports. Trump justified the move as retaliation for what he described as a “witch hunt” against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently on trial for his alleged role in plotting a coup following his 2022 election loss.

Tariffs Tied to Bolsonaro Defense

In a letter addressed to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Trump wrote that the tariffs would take effect August 1, calling the prosecution of Bolsonaro “an international disgrace.” He also falsely claimed the U.S. had a trade deficit with Brazil, despite data showing a $7.4 billion surplus in 2024, driven by goods like aircraft, oil, and machinery.

Trump further accused Brazil of issuing “secret and unlawful censorship orders” targeting U.S. social media platforms—referring to court orders by Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes to remove online content deemed to incite violence or undermine democracy.

Lula Fires Back

President Lula responded swiftly and forcefully, calling Trump’s intervention “abusive” and affirming Brazil’s judicial independence. “Brazil is a sovereign country with independent institutions,” he said, adding that Bolsonaro’s legal proceedings were entirely in the hands of the Supreme Court.

Lula also criticized Trump’s attempt to use trade policy to pressure Brazil's judiciary, saying, “We don’t want an emperor.”

Escalating Political Interference

The diplomatic clash highlights Trump’s willingness to use tariffs as a political weapon abroad. The former president has openly compared Bolsonaro’s legal troubles to his own indictments in the U.S. and suggested Bolsonaro should be eligible to run in Brazil’s next election—despite a court ruling barring him.

U.S. Embassy officials in Brazil echoed Trump’s stance, calling the prosecution of Bolsonaro and his family “a disgrace.” In response, Brazil’s Foreign Ministry summoned U.S. diplomat Gabriel Escobar and formally rejected Trump’s letter, calling it “offensive and inaccurate.”

Bolsonaro on Trial

Bolsonaro, whose supporters stormed Brazil’s capital in January 2023 demanding military intervention, faces charges that could lead to prison time. Federal prosecutors have also accused him of being aware of a plot to assassinate Lula and a Supreme Court justice, which Bolsonaro denies.

His trial is widely seen as a test of Brazil’s democratic resilience following the tumultuous aftermath of its 2022 election.