Trump threatens Brazil with trade action, calls judicial proceedings political revenge

Washington / Brasilia(Web Desk): Former US President Donald Trump has sharply criticized the Brazilian government, warning in an open letter that if actions against American technology companies do not stop and former President Jair Bolsonaro continues to be targeted, the United States may impose a 50 percent import tariff on Brazilian products.

Trump described the decisions by Brazilian courts as “political revenge” and accused the current Brazilian administration of discriminatory treatment against US companies, especially social media platforms — including his own company, Trump Media.

He announced that he would instruct the US Trade Representative to initiate investigations under Section 301, the same legal mechanism previously used to impose import restrictions on China and other countries, to address Brazil’s digital trade practices.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva strongly reacted to Trump’s statement, warning that if tariffs on Brazilian goods are increased, Brazil will respond firmly. He said Brazil’s judiciary is independent and that any foreign interference is unacceptable.

“We will not compromise our sovereignty, and if a trade war is imposed on us, we will confront it with full strength,” said President Lula.

Trump also criticized the BRICS summit, calling it an anti-American alliance, and threatened to impose an additional 10 percent tariff on products from BRICS countries.

Meanwhile, during a visit to the White House, Liberia’s President, accompanied by a delegation of African leaders, surprised Trump by speaking fluent English. Trump smiled and asked, “Where did you learn such good English?”

Laughing, Liberia’s President replied, “I learned English in Liberia.” Trump then joked, “Some people sitting around this table don’t speak as good English as you.”

It is notable that Liberia, located in West Africa, has English as its official language, and the majority of its population speaks it fluently.