Trump threatens Brazil with 50% tariff and demands Bolsonaro's trial end
BBC NewsWednesday, July 9, 2025 at 11:57:25 PM
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is escalating tensions with Brazil, threatening to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods if he returns to power. He also demanded that the legal proceedings against Brazil’s ex-president Jair Bolsonaro—who faces charges related to election interference and other allegations—be dropped. Trump framed Brazil’s actions as an "attack" on U.S. tech companies and called Bolsonaro’s prosecution a "witch hunt," echoing language he’s used about his own legal troubles.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about trade—it’s a flashpoint in the global trend of former leaders rallying behind each other against legal accountability. Trump’s threat could strain economic ties with Brazil, a major trade partner, while his defense of Bolsonaro reinforces the narrative of political persecution that both figures use to galvanize their bases. For Brazil, it adds pressure to an already volatile political climate.
— Curated via WP Now’s
