US Senate accuses Trump of using the economy to interfere in Brazilian justice system.

247 - In a letter sent to US President Donald Trump, eleven Democratic senators denounced the imposition of 50% tariffs on Brazilian products as a "clear abuse of power." This information was published by [source name/source - context needed]. Valor Econômico this Friday (25). The measure, announced by Trump earlier this month and scheduled to take effect on August 1, was heavily criticized by lawmakers, who warned of serious economic and diplomatic consequences.

The senators' initiative denounces the use of the American economy as an instrument of political pressure in response to decisions by the Brazilian Supreme Court (STF) and the legal proceedings against former president Jair Bolsonaro (PL), who is accused of crimes against democracy in Brazil. "Using the full weight of the American economy to interfere in these processes in favor of a friend is a serious abuse of power, weakens US influence in Brazil, and could harm our broader interests in the region," the parliamentarians state.

They also classify the government's decision to suspend visas for Brazilian officials, including eight Supreme Court justices, as yet another example of misuse of institutional purpose. “[The measure] indicates — once again — the willingness of his administration to prioritize his personal agenda over the interests of the American people.”

Senators are arguing that Trump should reconsider imposing the tariff, highlighting that the United States maintains a trade surplus of US$7,4 billion with Brazil in 2024, and that there has been no record of a trade deficit in the bilateral relationship since 2007. Furthermore, they point out that approximately 130 American jobs depend directly on the flow of trade with Brazil, which is now threatened.

The letter also expresses concern about the geopolitical impact of the measure. "We are concerned that their actions to undermine an independent judicial system will only increase skepticism regarding American influence in the region and lend more credibility to the agenda of Chinese officials and state-owned enterprises," the senators warn.

In justifying the new tariff, the President of the United States cited economic reasons, but also pointed to his disagreement with Supreme Court decisions affecting digital platforms and with the progress of the legal proceedings against Jair Bolsonaro — a political ally of Trump.

With the escalation of diplomatic tension, internal pressure is growing on the American president, who began his second term in January 2025, to adopt a less personalistic foreign policy and one more aligned with the strategic interests of the United States.