The project to save the "Brazilian Trump"

Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil, has long been regarded as one of Donald Trump’s key allies in Latin America. During Trump’s first presidential term, Bolsonaro openly referred to himself as the “Trump of Rio de Janeiro.” As a result, Brazil became the White House’s closest partner during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bolsonaro’s signature was routinely found alongside Trump’s under statements criticizing the World Health Organization (WHO) and related bodies.

After Bolsonaro’s defeat in Brazil’s general elections, enraged socialists in the country pushed vigorously for his prosecution. This alone was enough to motivate Trump, upon returning to power in 2024, to seek to rescue his political pawn in Rio de Janeiro.

Recently, the U.S. President announced the imposition of a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, citing the “unfair trial” of Jair Bolsonaro and likening the judicial process to a “witch hunt.” However, Brazilian President Lula da Silva has insisted that Bolsonaro’s trial will proceed and has warned Washington against interfering in Brazil’s internal affairs.

Brazil’s Attorney General has accused Bolsonaro of attempting a coup—a move that, according to officials, was aimed at clinging to power after his defeat in the 2022 presidential election. Bolsonaro faces charges including membership in an armed criminal organization and attempting a violent overthrow of democratic rule.

This is not the first time Trump has interfered in the internal affairs of other countries to protect his traditional network of allies. A similar pattern emerged during the trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, when Trump threatened to cut U.S. aid to Israel if Netanyahu’s prosecution continued.

Trump’s use of the phrase “witch hunt” signals his intention to launch an all-out confrontation with Brazil’s current government under Lula da Silva in defense of Brazil’s former president. The term “witch hunt” typically refers to unjust and politically motivated prosecutions, where individuals are accused without sufficient evidence, simply for being perceived as a threat by those in power.

However, substantial evidence exists of Bolsonaro’s intent to orchestrate a military coup in Brazil, and some of his close military and political allies are already serving prison sentences for their failed attempts.

In contrast, Brazil’s current president has no intention of giving in to Washington’s pressure. In response to Trump’s tariff decision, Lula da Silva warned that these tariffs would invoke Brazil’s “Economic Reciprocity Law”—legislation allowing Brazil to suspend trade, investment, and intellectual property agreements with the offending country if its competitiveness is harmed. The United States has enjoyed over $410 billion in trade surplus with Brazil over the past 15 years.