US Imposes Sanctions, 50% Tariffs on Brazil Over Bolsonaro Case

U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with Brazil by imposing additional tariffs of up to 50% on Brazilian imports, in response to the prosecution of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is charged with attempting a coup after losing the 2022 election. Alongside the tariffs, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes under the Global Magnitsky Act for alleged human rights abuses, including arbitrary detentions and censorship related to Bolsonaro's case. These sanctions freeze Moraes's assets in the U.S. and prohibit American citizens and companies from doing business with him. Brazil has condemned these actions as interference in its judicial sovereignty and unacceptable foreign meddling. The U.S. government, represented by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, accused Moraes of politicized prosecutions and violating freedom of expression, further straining diplomatic relations. These measures reflect strong U.S. support for Bolsonaro and criticism of Brazil’s Supreme Court handling of the case.