The RecordExhibit 32
A 50% tariff on Brazil, tied to his ally's prosecution
Criticized means: Legal, or a policy choice, but widely condemned.
Trump hit Brazil with a 50% tariff, tying it explicitly to the coup trial of his friend, former president Jair Bolsonaro, whose prosecution he called a witch hunt that should end immediately.
What happened
The U.S. actually runs a trade surplus with Brazil. Treasury also sanctioned the Brazilian Supreme Court justice overseeing the case. Bolsonaro was accused of plotting to overturn his 2022 election loss, including an alleged plan to poison Lula.
Where it stands
Critics say using tariffs to pressure another country's courts on behalf of a political ally is an abuse of trade powers.
The administration's side
The White House also cited Brazilian court censorship orders against U.S. social media companies and unfair trade practices.
Sources
Permanent link: https://unredactedrecord.com/e/brazil/