President Trump announced a new batch of tariffs Wednesday, including a 50% levy on goods coming to the U.S. from Brazil.
Trump cited the country's treatment of its Trumpian former president, Jair Bolsonaro, as a major factor in his decision to apply such a high tariff. Unlike many other nations that have been hit with significant tariffs, the U.S. had a trade surplus with Brazil in 2024.
Like Trump, Bolsonaro stands accused of trying to overturn an election loss illegally, and is currently facing trial for the alleged crime. In a letter to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil posted on his social media platform, Trump called for a halt to the legal proceedings. "This Trial should not be taking place," Trump wrote. "It is a Witch Hunt that should end IMMEDIATELY!"
Trump also accused Brazil of making "insidious attacks on Free Elections, and the fundamental Free Speech Rights of Americans," citing "SECRET and UNLAWFUL Censorship Orders to U.S. Social Media platforms" by the Brazilian high court.
Lula fired back, calling Trump "irresponsible for threatening tariffs on social media." He also called on world leaders to reduce their use of the U.S. dollar in global trade.
In addition to Brazil, Trump also announced tariffs on the Philippines, Brunei, Moldova, Algeria, Iraq, Libya and Sri Lanka.