President Donald Trump reignites diplomatic tensions with Brazil by publicly supporting Jair Bolsonaro and denouncing the Lula administration’s judicial actions, as he threatens punitive tariffs.

Related:

Brazil’s Government Accuses Eduardo Bolsonaro of Sparking U.S.-Led Trade War Against the Country

On July 17, 2025, Donald Trump publicly sent a letter to his former political ally, Brazil’s ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, sharply criticizing the administration of current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The letter , shared on Trump’s platform Truth Social , accuses the Brazilian government of orchestrating a politically motivated judicial attack against Bolsonaro and suppressing freedom of expression. This move marks a significant escalation in the already strained relations between the U.S. and Brazil’s leftist government.

In his message, Trump described Bolsonaro as “a highly respected leader” unfairly targeted by what he called a “witch hunt” driven by Brazil’s judicial system under Lula’s Workers’ Party. Trump demanded an immediate halt to Bolsonaro’s ongoing trial linked to accusations surrounding the January 8, 2023, coup-related events.

Trump accused the Lula government of engaging in political persecution and censorship, stating:

“I sincerely hope the Brazilian government changes course, stops attacking political opponents, and ends this ridiculous regime of censorship. I will be watching closely.”

Trump’s letter came amid his announcement of a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian imports, effective August 1, framed in part as retaliation for Brazil’s treatment of Bolsonaro. The tariffs represent an aggressive economic maneuver intended to increase pressure on Lula’s administration and signal unwavering support for Bolsonaro.

Bolsonaro republished Trump’s letter on his social media account, highlighting the connection between the political dispute and trade measures. Analysts understand this to be an orchestrated campaign by right-wing forces within and beyond Brazil to destabilize the leftist government.

Brazilian President Lula responded firmly to Trump’s provocations, emphasizing Brazil’s sovereignty and refusing to accept foreign interference in its judicial processes or domestic affairs. Lula proclaimed:

“Not a gringo will tell this president what to do.”

He warned that any unilateral tariff increases from the U.S. would be matched by measured retaliatory measures in line with international trade rules.

A CASA BRANCA
WASHINGTON

Ao Honorável
Jair Messias Bolsonaro
38º Presidente da República Federativa do Brasil
Brasília

Prezado Sr. Bolsonaro:

Tenho visto o tratamento terrível que você está recebendo pelas mãos de um sistema injusto voltado contra você. Esse julgamento deve… pic.twitter.com/PizdNhT1RJ

— Jair M. Bolsonaro (@jairbolsonaro) July 17, 2025

The dispute thus embodies broader geopolitical tensions between progressive governments in Latin America and right-wing forces leveraging international pressure to undermine leftist administrations.

Donald Trump’s direct intervention in Brazil’s internal political discourse, combined with aggressive economic measures, underscores ongoing conflicts between imperialist-aligned right-wing factions and left-leaning sovereigntist governments like Lula’s Brazil and Maduro’s Venezuela.

This escalation deepens regional polarization, with Latin America’s progressive bloc continuing to assert its independence in the face of external threats and attempts at subversion.

IN THIS ARTICLE