TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - United States President Donald Trump threatens to impose a 50 percent import tariff on Brazil. This time, Trump's reason is not about the trade deficit but rather Brazil's treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
As quoted from NBC, Trump said that Brazil's treatment of Bolsonaro is an international disgrace. Trump's threat has raised questions from many: Who is Bolsonaro? And why has his fate become a special concern for Trump?
Trump's Relationship with Bolsonaro
Jair Messias Bolsonaro was born on March 21, 1955, in Campinas, Brazil. He is a former Army captain and a graduate of the Agulhas Negras Military Academy. Before becoming president, Bolsonaro spent almost three decades as a member of Congress representing Rio de Janeiro.
During his legislative career, he was known as a hardline conservative figure who often made controversial statements about women, LGBTQ communities, and his defense of the Brazilian military dictatorship from 1964 to 1985.
As quoted from CNN, Bolsonaro was elected as President of Brazil in 2018 amid public disappointment over corruption and a stagnant economy. He promised to make Brazil a strong and developing country.
He campaigned on promises to combat corruption, loosen gun ownership, and prioritize conservative Christian values. However, his leadership was marked by various controversial policies, including loosening protection of the Amazon rainforest, a tough approach to the opposition, and handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, which received widespread criticism. In 2022, Bolsonaro lost the presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
After the election, thousands of his supporters stormed government buildings in Brasilia in an act reminiscent of the 2021 Capitol Hill riots in the U.S. This triggered a major investigation into an alleged coup attempt involving Bolsonaro.
In February 2025, Bolsonaro was officially charged with conspiracy to overturn the results of the 2022 election, including plans for violence against President Lula and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. If found guilty, he could face up to 40 years in prison. Bolsonaro denied all allegations, calling them political persecution.
Donald Trump openly defended Bolsonaro. He called him a people's hero and deemed the charges against Bolsonaro as an attempt to silence political opponents. Trump made similar statements regarding allegations against himself.
As quoted from Al Jazeera, Trump also accused the Brazilian government of censoring American social media and attacking freedom of speech after a Brazilian judge ordered the blocking of several pro-Bolsonaro accounts, including Elon Musk's platform X.
Not only that, but Trump used this issue as a reason to threaten trade relations with Brazil. In his letter, he claimed that the trade relationship between the U.S. and Brazil is not mutually beneficial and is filled with non-tariff barriers. Although data shows that the U.S. recorded a trade surplus of more than $7 billion with Brazil last year, Trump still believes that a large tariff is necessary for the relationship to be equitable.
President Lula responded firmly to Trump's claims. He stated that Brazil is a sovereign country with independent institutions and rejects foreign interference. Lula emphasized that the legal process against Bolsonaro is an internal matter that must be respected. He also rejected Trump's statement regarding the trade balance, stating that Brazil will respond to new tariffs in accordance with the Law of Economic Reciprocity.
Editor's Choice: Prabowo Seeks Direct Tariff Talks with Trump
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Today's Top 3 News: Indonesia Explores Bioenergy Cooperation with Brazil
16 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Mahmoud Khalil Files $20mn Lawsuit Against Trump for Wrongful Detention
16 jam lalu
Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist, plans to sue the Trump administration for US$20 million after being released from ICE detention.
Prabowo Seeks Direct Tariff Talks with Trump
17 jam lalu
Trump officially set a 32 percent import tariff for all Indonesian products entering the U.S., effective August 1, 2025.
How Indonesia Responds to Trump's 10% Additional Tariff Threat on BRICS Members
19 jam lalu
President Donald Trump threatens to impose a 10 percent import tariff on countries that are part of BRICS for being considered anti-America.
U.S. Leaves Vietnam with Lower Tariffs as Indonesia Hit with 32% Charge; Here's Why
19 jam lalu
Researcher from CSIS mentioned Vietnam's success in obtaining tariff reduction from the United States due to the benefits it offers.
Trump Approves US$300 Million Weapon Shipment to Ukraine
19 jam lalu
Trump is preparing to send weapons directly to Ukraine, marking the first time he will personally exercise his authority to do so.
Indonesia Explores Bioenergy Cooperation with Brazil
21 jam lalu
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia aims to strengthen collaboration on bioenergy development during a state visit to Brazil.
IHSG Opens Higher as Global Trade Tensions Ease
22 jam lalu
The IDX Composite (IHSG) opened higher by 30.93 points, or 0.44 percent, to 7,036.30 as global trade tensions recede.
Trump Grants August 1 Deadline for Indonesia in Import Tariff Talks
1 hari lalu
U.S. President Donald Trump allows the Indonesian government to continue tariff negotiations before August 1.
Israeli Strike Kills 16, Including Children, Near Gaza Medical Facility
1 hari lalu
An Israeli attack on Palestinian civilians near a medical center in Gaza on Thursday, July 10, 2025, resulted in 16 fatalities, including children.
