President Donald J. Trump reportedly sharply criticized the Brazilian government over what he called “radical censorship” and a “witch hunt” targeting former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, in a series of remarks that culminated with a threat to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports should he return to office.
Speaking to reporters and later posting on his social media platform, Truth Social, Mr. Trump accused Brazil’s judiciary of engaging in politically motivated persecution of Bolsonaro, a close ideological ally who has been facing a series of legal challenges stemming from his attempts to contest the 2022 Brazilian presidential election.
Bolsonaro, a right-wing populist often described as the “Trump of the Tropics,” has maintained a political alliance with Trump and his orbit, despite mounting scrutiny at home.
“Brazil is out of control,” Mr. Trump wrote. “They are conducting a WITCH HUNT against a very good man, Jair Bolsonaro, while trampling on the free speech rights of their own people.”
Mr. Trump’s comments appeared to be in response to recent decisions by Brazil’s Supreme Court, including moves to restrict access to certain social media accounts and prosecute individuals allegedly involved in disinformation campaigns and political unrest.
Brazil’s government, under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has defended the measures as necessary to protect democratic institutions and the rule of law.
Mr. Trump, however, drew a direct connection between the Brazilian actions and broader concerns about censorship.
“The radical Left in Brazil is taking their cues from the radical Left in America,” he said, invoking what he claims is a global pattern of suppressing dissent and targeting conservative voices.
Trump then pivoted to trade, announcing that, if elected in November, his administration would consider slapping a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods.
“If Brazil continues down this path, they will face massive consequences — a 50% tariff on all their exports to the U.S.,” he said, without specifying which goods or sectors would be affected.
The remarks were quickly rebuked by Brazilian officials, with one trade representative calling Trump’s tariff threat “an unfounded and hostile provocation.”
Economists noted that such a move could strain U.S.–Brazil relations and disrupt key supply chains, particularly in the agricultural and mineral sectors.
Nonetheless, Trump’s message resonated among parts of his base, where Bolsonaro remains a popular figure — seen as a fellow combatant in a global struggle against left-wing governance and elite institutions.
[READ MORE: Trump Imposes 25% Tariff on South Korea and Japan]
