Trump Management Imposes Sanctions and Tariffs on Brazil in Apparent Bid to Aid Bolsonaro
in a move that has drawn sharp criticism, the Trump administration has levied sanctions and tariffs against Brazil, actions widely seen as an attempt to interfere with the ongoing legal proceedings against former brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro, a far-right leader, faces allegations of planning to assassinate current brazilian President Luiz Inácio “Lula” da silva and others in an effort to retain power following his 2022 electoral defeat.
The Treasury Department sanctioned Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes under the Global Magnitsky Act, citing alleged human rights violations. Critics argue that the application of this law, typically reserved for severe abuses, is being misused in this instance, especially concerning Bolsonaro’s prosecution.
Together, the Trump administration imposed a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian goods, effective promptly, a departure from the previously scheduled August 1 implementation. This action is particularly noteworthy given Brazil’s persistent trade deficit with the United States, a situation Trump has previously expressed a desire to alter.
Brazil has responded with defiance. President Lula has publicly stated that “No gringo is going to give orders to this president,” and Bolsonaro’s trial is proceeding. Recent polls indicate a rise in Lula’s support following these U.S. actions, suggesting a potential backlash against the perceived interference.
This situation raises critically important concerns about the U.S. leveraging its economic power to influence a foreign justice system and protect an ally accused of serious offenses. If successful, such actions could embolden other leaders seeking to undermine democratic processes and maintain power through illicit means.Even if unsuccessful, the use of U.S. power for what appears to be personal or political interests, rather then national interests, is a cause for alarm.
Podcast Recommendation:
For those interested in exploring profound scientific questions, the latest episode of Vox’s Unexplainable* podcast is highly recommended. Host Byrd Pinkerton interviews two evolutionary biologists discussing a multi-decade experiment involving 12 E. coli colonies. The episode delves into fundamental questions about the trajectory of evolution on Earth and the likelihood of similar outcomes if the process were to be repeated.
