After months of threats, Donald Trump finally followed through. On Wednesday, July 9, he announced his plan to raise tariffs on all Brazilian exports to the United States to 50%, up from the current 10%. He justified the measure, set to take effect on August 1, by the legal situation facing his ally, former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently being prosecuted and faces the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence.

Trump explained his reasoning in a letter addressed to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and published on social media. "The way Brazil has treated former President Bolsonaro, a Highly Respected Leader throughout the World during his Term, including by the United States, is an international disgrace. This Trial should not be taking place. It is a Witch Hunt that should end IMMEDIATELY!" wrote the Republican president.

In his letter, Trump also condemned the "insidious attacks" that he claimed Brazil was carrying out against "Free Elections" and "Free Speech Rights of Americans," criticizing attempts by the Brazilian judiciary to regulate social media. "Please understand that the 50% number is far less than what is needed to have the Level Playing Field we must have with your Country," the US president insisted, threatening to impose an additional 50% tariff increase should Brasília retaliate.

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