The US and Brazil are at loggerheads over Bolsonaro and tech

Trump to the rescue

Donald Trump has ratcheted up the tension between the US and Brazil by threatening the country with 50% tariffs unless the charges against former president Jair Bolsonaro for staging a coup are dropped.

Trump of the Tropics

The far-right Bolsonaro, alternatively known as the Trump of the Tropics, ruled Brazil from 2019 until 2022 when he lost the election to socialist Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Brazil's January 6

Bolsonaro is now facing prosecution for his role in trying to overturn the election result, despite being in the US when parliament was stormed by thousands of his supporters on January 8 2023 in what looked like a replica of January 6 in Washington.

A "witch hunt"

The trial has been branded a “witch hunt” by Trump but Da Silva has stoutly pointed out that “no one is above the law.”

Tech troubles

Trump has also waded in on Brazil’s approach to US tech companies and social media platforms, such as X, which he claims are being censored.

Truth Social censored

Trump Media which operates the US President’s Truth Social platform is among the US tech companies currently fighting court rulings to have them suspended.

Trump calls for an investigation

Trump said he would be getting the US Trade Representative to launch a so-called 301 investigation into Brazil's digital trade practices, according to the BBC.

An order from the White House

Referring to Bolsonaro, Trump posted on his platform, “This trial should not be taking place. It is a witch hunt that should end IMMEDIATELY!”

50% tariffs

Despite having a trade surplus with Brazil, Trump called the 50% tariffs – hiked from 10%, "necessary... to rectify the grave injustices of the current regime".

"An international disgrace"

Trump insisted that he “respected him [Bolsonaro] greatly” and that the trial amounted to “an international disgrace.”

Been there, done that

Trump also likened the trial of Bolsonaro to his own brushes with the law: "This is nothing more, or less, than an attack on a Political Opponent - Something I know much about!"

BRICS labeled "anti-American"

Relations between the two countries have further been exacerbated by the fact that Brazil hosted the BRICS summit July 6-7, a collaboration of developing countries that Trump has accused of being “anti-American.”

Lula Da Silva stands his ground

Perhaps in a stronger position than other states due to its influence in South America, Lula Da Silva is refusing to be cowed by Trump’s threats.

Warning to butt out

In response to Trump’s tirade, Lula Da Silva has said that Brazil would reciprocate on tariffs and that the country would have no truck with outside interference in its judicial system.

Brazil will not be bullied

“Brazil is a sovereign nation with independent institutions and will not accept any form of tutelage,” Lula is reported saying by the Guardian.