Trump reaffirms 50% tariff on Brazil and admits political motivation: "what they are doing to Bolsonaro is a disgrace"
This Wednesday's speech echoes the content of the letter Trump sent to Lula last week, in which he described the proceedings against Bolsonaro as a "witch hunt."
247 - US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (16) again justified the imposition of a 50% tariff on Brazilian products based on political reasons. Speaking to the press at the White House, after a bilateral meeting with the Prince of Bahrain, the Republican confirmed that the punishment of Brazil aims to pressure the government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) and the Supreme Federal Court (STF) because of the trial of former president Jair Bolsonaro (PL).
“[We taxed] 50% in one case, Brazil, because what they are doing to the former president is a disgrace,” Trump declared. according According to the news portal g1, he added: “I know the former president and he fought hard for the Brazilian people. I believe he is an honest man and what they are doing to him is terrible.”
The Republican is referring to the Supreme Court case against Bolsonaro for attempted coup d'état after the 2022 elections. The Attorney General's Office has already submitted its final arguments requesting the former president's conviction.
The speech on Wednesday echoed the content of the letter Trump sent to Lula last week, in which he described the proceedings against Bolsonaro as a "witch hunt" and an "international disgrace." He also threatened to increase tariffs if Brazil does not comply with his demands—which, according to him, include "freedom for American digital platforms" and an end to "trade barriers."
