Leave Brazil Alone
The president’s recent outburst brings together his enthusiasm for foreign authoritarians, his abuse of power, and his corruption.
The Brazilian government responded to Trump’s latest absurd abuse of tariffs:
“Brazil is a sovereign country with independent institutions, and it will not take orders from anyone,” da Silva wrote late Wednesday, when he called an emergency cabinet meeting to discuss Trump’s announcement. He said the Brazilian government would respond with reciprocity, without giving further details.
Bolsonaro is credibly accused of plotting to stage a coup in 2022 after he lost his last presidential bid. His trial is underway. Bolsonaro’s son, Eduardo, has been lobbying Trump and his allies to act in support of the disgraced former president. U.S. officials have reportedly been receptive to claims that Brazilian President Lula da Silva “was “crushing” the conservative opposition and dragging the country towards authoritarianism,” and Trump has fully swallowed this ridiculous propaganda.
The president’s recent outburst brings together his enthusiasm for foreign authoritarians, his abuse of power, and his corruption.