Donald Trump has frequently compared the scrutiny he faces from the media, Democrats, investigators, courts, and others to a “witch hunt.” More recently, he has extended this defense to his international allies.
From Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose corruption trial is ongoing, to former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, whose similarities to Trump earned him the moniker “Tropical Trump,” Trump has attempted to leverage U.S. influence to shield his associates from legal issues in their respective countries.
While Trump has been issuing “letters” to foreign leaders on social media, his message to current Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Truth Social on Wednesday differed from his previous communications.
“I knew and dealt with former President Jair Bolsonaro, and respected him greatly, as did most other Leaders of Countries,” Trump wrote. “The way that Brazil has treated former President 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!”
Bolsonaro is facing charges related to an alleged coup attempt after his 2022 election loss to Lula, which included a storming of the Brazilian capital reminiscent of the January 6, 2021, insurrection in the U.S. by Trump’s supporters.
Trump had previously stated earlier this month: “Brazil is doing a terrible thing on their treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro. I have watched, as has the World, as they have done nothing but come after him, day after day, night after night, month after month, year after year! He is not guilty of anything, except having fought for THE PEOPLE. I have gotten to know Jair Bolsonaro, and he was a strong Leader, who truly loved his Country — Also, a very tough negotiator on TRADE. His Election was very close and now, he is leading in the Polls. This is nothing more, or less, than an attack on a Political Opponent — Something I know much about! It happened to me, times 10, and now our Country is the ‘HOTTEST’ in the World! The Great People of Brazil will not stand for what they are doing to their former President. I’ll be watching the WITCH HUNT of Jair Bolsonaro, his family, and thousands of his supporters, very closely. The only Trial that should be happening is a Trial by the Voters of Brazil — It’s called an Election. LEAVE BOLSONARO ALONE!”
In his Wednesday letter to Lula, Trump also mentioned “insidious attacks on Free Elections” (Brazil’s next general election is in 2026, and Bolsonaro has been deemed ineligible to run) and “Censorship” by Brazil’s Supreme Court against U.S. social media companies (the country temporarily banned Elon Musk’s X platform before reversing it after a $5 million fine).
Trump announced that the tariff rate on Brazil, initially set at 10% in April, would increase to 50% due to these issues, to “rectify the grave injustices of the current regime,” and to make the U.S.-Brazil trade relationship more “Reciprocal,” despite the U.S. currently having a trade deficit with Brazil.
Trump also announced on Sunday an additional 10% tariff on countries aligned with the BRICS economic alliance, of which Brazil is a founding member.
In a post on X, Lula responded to Trump’s message, stating: “Brazil is a sovereign nation with independent institutions and will not accept any form of tutelage.”
The Brazilian leader affirmed that Brazil’s judicial proceedings “are not subject to any interference or threats that could compromise the independence of national institutions,” that “freedom of expression must not be confused with aggression or violent practices” and all companies “whether domestic or foreign—must comply with Brazilian law in order to operate within our territory,” and that “tariff increases will be addressed in accordance with Brazil’s Economic Reciprocity Law,” which allows Brazil to suspend trade concessions with other countries if unilateral measures harm its economic competitiveness.
According to Bloomberg: “This marks the first time in months another country has threatened to match Trump’s tariff threat.”
“Sovereignty, respect and the unwavering defense of the interests of the Brazilian people are the values that guide our relationship with the world,” Lula concluded.
Lula’s post, which follows his remarks at the BRICS forum on Monday where he stated, “The world has changed. We don’t want an emperor. … People need to understand that respect is good—we like to give it, and we like to get it in return”—suggests a potential escalation with Trump, who has rarely faced such direct opposition from a leader of a major economy.