President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued a scathing rebuke of Brazil's judiciary in a letter saying the United States plans to increase tariffs on goods coming from the country.
"I knew and dealt with former President Jair Bolsonaro, and respected him greatly, as did most other Leaders of Countries," Trump's letter begins. "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!"
The letter goes on to say that the United States plans to implement 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods starting Aug. 1 unless Brazilian companies agree to build or manufacture their products in the U.S. Trump wrote that the move is necessary to rectify a "longstanding, very unfair trade relationship between the two countries.
The specific demands included in the letter to Brazil's leadership make it different than the other letters Trump has sent foreign dignitaries regarding potential tariff increases.
It also comes after Trump asked Brazil to spare Bolsonaro for attempting to overturn the country's 2022 election results. If convicted, Bolsonaro faces 12 years in prison for his role in the plot.
“Brazil is doing a terrible thing on their treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro,” Trump posted Monday on Truth Social, the social media network that he owns. “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.”
