‘He is not guilty of anything’: Donald Trump threatens tariffs on South American country because someone was ‘mean’ to his buddy

In a letter posted on Truth Social and shared with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula “Lula” da Silva, Donald Trump threatened a 50% tariff unless it ends what he called the “witch hunt” trial of former Brazilian President and Trump’s friend, Jair Bolsonaro.

In the letter, Trump said, the tariffs would “Level Playing Field we must have with your Country” and “to rectify the grave injustices of the current regime,” referring to Bolsanaro’s trial for an attempted coup.

President Lula responded to Trump’s threat with a social media post of his own, stating in part, “In light of the public statement made by U.S. President Donald Trump on social media on the afternoon of Wednesday (9), it is important to highlight the following: Brazil is a sovereign nation with independent institutions and will not accept any form of tutelage.”

Lula went on to add that Brazil would reciprocate with tariffs of its own if Trump follows through with his plan.

The Bolsanaro trial

Bolsonaro is on trial for allegedly attempting to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election after his loss to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Prosecutors accuse Bolsonaro of orchestrating a coup plot that involved pressuring the military to intervene, arresting Supreme Court justices, and declaring a national “state of siege” to stay in power.

In addition to the coup allegations, Bolsonaro is also accused of leading a criminal organization and being involved in discussions about assassinating President Lula. He faces further legal trouble for alleged money laundering and for misusing his office during the campaign, which has already led to his electoral disqualification until 2030.

The trial, underway in Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court, is being closely watched nationally and internationally. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face up to 43 years in prison. The case has also sparked global political tension.

President Lula, however, has defended the independence of Brazil’s judiciary and dismissed foreign interference. With testimony completed, the outcome of the trial could mark a turning point in Brazilian democracy and accountability.

Trump added a swipe at Brazilian censorship of social media

In his Lula letter, Trump also referenced Brazil’s alleged censorship of social media. Trump wrote that the proposed tariffs would respond to “SECRET and UNLAWFUL Censorship Orders to U.S. Social Media platforms” and “continued attacks on the Digital Trade activities of American Companies.”

Responding to that point, Lula said “In Brazil, freedom of expression must not be confused with aggression or violent practices. All companies—whether domestic or foreign—must comply with Brazilian law in order to operate within our territory.”

Lula added, “The claim regarding a U.S. trade deficit in its commercial relationship with Brazil is inaccurate. Statistics from the U.S. government itself show a surplus of $410 billion in the trade of goods and services with Brazil over the past 15 years. Therefore, any unilateral tariff increases will be addressed in accordance with Brazil’s Economic Reciprocity Law.”