Calls for US Tariffs on Brazil Rise after Bolsonaro Conviction
American professor Michael Shellenberger is advocating for increased US tariffs against Brazil following the recent 27-year sentence handed down to former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro for attempting to subvert the democratic process. The conviction, described as “very surprising” by former US president Donald Trump, has sparked a diplomatic tension between the two nations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has already labeled the conviction as unfair and signaled Washington’s intention to “respond accordingly.” Shellenberger, who collaborated with two Brazilian journalists on research analyzing Twitter (now X) activity in Brazil – the so-called “twitter Brazil archives” – believes tariffs could be a powerful response. He stated he would like to see “persistent action in favor of human rights.”
Currently, the US imposes 50% tariffs on some Brazilian goods, with exceptions for aircraft manufactured by Embraer and orange juice. Shellenberger suggests expanding these tariffs.
The situation is further elaborate by an ongoing examination in Brazil into Shellenberger himself,stemming from his involvement in the dissemination of the “Twitter Brazil archives,” which allege collusion between Brazilian judicial and government officials in investigations targeting supporters of Bolsonaro.Shellenberger stated he does not anticipate returning to Brazil due to this investigation, which he describes as a “Damocles sword.”
Shellenberger testified before the US House of Representatives, at the request of the Republican majority, regarding the political climate in Brazil. He currently holds a chair at the University of Austin focused on censorship and media.
The controversy also prompted Secretary Rubio to threaten visa suspensions for foreign leaders who threaten Americans expressing themselves on social media platforms. the Brazilian Supreme Court, notably Judge Alexandre de Moraes, previously engaged in a standoff with X and its owner, Elon Musk, ultimately compelling the platform to comply with Brazilian law, including the suspension of accounts belonging to Bolsonaro supporters under threat of significant fines.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with the US, despite the existing tariff pressures.
