When it comes to Brazil, the new reciprocal tariff took on a political aspect, because the Donald J. Trump administration has made a point to support former right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro, who is a victim of judicial persecution by the Brazilian Supreme Court ‘overlords’ led by Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
Trump has made no secret of his opinions about the ‘witch hunt’ against Bolsonaro, and he has led his team to exert maximum pressure on the Brazilian Government and Judiciary.
Take a look:
Here’s a personal letter to Bolsonaro:
And finally, the letter to socialist President Lula da Silva, announcing the 50% tariffs on the country, primpted in part by the fake ‘coup’ prosecution againt Bolsonaro.
President Trump’s letter to the Federative Republic of Brazil pic.twitter.com/G8JATXGRqI
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 9, 2025
“Dear Mr. President, I knew and dealt with former President Jair Bolsonaro, and respected him greatly, as did most other Leaders of Countries. The way that Brazil has treated former President Jair Bolsonaro, a Highly Respected Leader throughout the World during his Term, including by the United States, is an international disgrace. This Trial should not be taking place. It is a Witch Hunt that should end IMMEDIATELY! … Due in part to Brazil’s insidious attacks on Free Elections, and the fundamental Free Speech Rights of Americans (as lately illustrated by the Brazilian Supreme Court, which has issued hundreds of SECRET and UNLAWFUL Censorship Orders to U.S. Social Media Companies), I am announcing a 50% TARIFF on all Imports from Brazil, effective August 1, 2025.”
SO ALEXANDRE DE MORAES DOUBLES DOWN:
The Supreme Court Justice sent the Federal Police to Bolsonaro’s house, they seized his devices, money, put him on an ankle monitor, forbid him to take to social media… the works.
So US today moved decisively against Moraes and the other Supreme Court Justices, as well as their family members.
“POTUS made clear that his administration will hold accountable foreign nationals who are responsible for censorship of protected expression in the United States. Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes’s political witch hunt against Jair Bolsonaro created a persecution and censorship complex so sweeping that it not only violates basic rights of Brazilians, but also extends beyond Brazil’s shores to target Americans. I have therefore ordered visa revocations for Moraes and his allies on the court, as well as their immediate family members effective immediately.”
UPDATE:
According to Tupi Report, the list of people sanctioned:
Supreme court Justices Alexandre de Moraes, Luís Roberto Barroso, Gilmar Mendes, Edson Fachin, Cármen Lúcia, Dias Toffoli, Cristiano Zanin and Flávio Dino.
Paulo Gonet Branco – General Council of the Republic.
Andrei Rodrigues – Director-General of the Federal Police, as well as Head of the Cybercrime Division Fábio Schor.
Ricardo Lewandowski, Attorney General.
Rodrigo Pacheco – Senator; former President of the Federal Senate.
NOTE: All relatives, close family members, and children were also included on the list of sanctioned individuals.
Only 3 Supreme court ministers escaped the sanctions.
It’s the first time in history that the Brazilian Supreme court is sanctioned by a foreign power.
Read the full article here