CNN’s Isa Soares explains how a crippling 50% tariff on goods from Brazil may not be all about the economy.

Washington

Donald Trump has signed an order to impose tariffs imports into the U.S. from countries including China, Mexico and Canada.

Global Tariffs

President Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on goods from Brazil, citing a need to support former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently facing a court case in Brazil. The official rationale for the tariff is not based on economic grounds, as Trump has previously claimed tariffs are about correcting trade imbalances, but rather appears to be a response to what he describes as a 'witch hunt' against Bolsonaro.

The Brazilian government has stated its intention to reciprocate the tariffs but has refused to intervene in Bolsonaro's legal proceedings, emphasizing the independence of its judicial process. The case against Bolsonaro involves allegations related to the storming of government buildings by his supporters, with prosecutors charging him and others in connection with an alleged plot to overthrow the government. Both Bolsonaro and his co-accused deny the charges.

Trump targets Brazil with 50% tariff

President Trump is using the economy as a political weapon. He's been saying that tariffs are about levelling the playing field, that there's a trade imbalance, and that the United States is being ripped off by other countries. In the case of Brazil, that is not true. President Trump yet is imposing a 50% tariff on the country. The reason, you ask? A court case against former President Jair Bolsonaro, a case which he says is a witch hunt in this letter and should end immediately. So this is not about business, but about his body. The two have been friends since Trump's first term. Probably because of the relationship that we have, Brazil and the United States have never been closer. And they've been building on that relationship ever since. In 2022, Trump supported Bolsonaro's bid for re-election. I strongly endorse President Bolsonaro. He will be your leader for hopefully a long time. And even though he lost to current President Lula da Silva, Bolsonaro came out for Trump ahead of the 2024 election in the US, praising their exceptional relationship when he appeared at a CPAC convention. President Bolsonaro. A great honour. Now back at the White House, Trump using the weight of the office to help his buddy out. But why is Bolsonaro on trial? They're getting into the capital tonight. Well, remember when Trump's supporters stormed the capital? Brazil had its own version on January 8th, 2023. Pro-Bolsonaro protesters broke into Congress and the presidential palace. I was there in the aftermath and I personally saw the damage the rioters had done. Ransacking government buildings, destroying artefacts, including art pieces, even setting some buildings on fire. Prosecutors say they found a connection between the riots and Brazil's former president. And earlier this year, they charged Bolsonaro, along with 33 other people, in connection with an alleged plot to overthrow the government. Those accused deny the charges. For his part, the Brazilian leader says his country has a right to reciprocate the tariffs and has refused to get involved in Bolsonaro's court case, telling Trump to do the same. This country has laws, this country has rules and this country has an owner and that's the Brazilian people. So save your judgements for your own life and keep them out of ours. Isa Soares, CNN, London.

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Jerusalem

Middle East Conflict

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Kyiv

Ukraine Invasion

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Tel Aviv-Yafo

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Camarillo

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Center Point

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Texas

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Kuala Lumpur

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Ventura County

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Los Angeles

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San Francisco

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Moscow

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Kerr County

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Ontario

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Marseille

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Cernadilla

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Trump targets Brazil with 50% tariff

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