Trump has previously sounded off on Brazil over its treatment of Bolsonaro, a vocal ally of the U.S. president who is standing trial over his role in an alleged coup to overturn his 2022 reelection loss. Trump called the situation “an international disgrace” in the letter, which he shared publicly in a Truth Social post. He slammed the Bolsonaro trial as a “Witch Hunt,” echoing the language he used to describe the multiple criminal investigations that he faced before winning the 2024 U.S. presidential election. He also railed against “Brazil’s insidious attacks on Free Elections, and the fundamental Free Speech Rights of Americans,” apparently referring to the Brazilian Supreme Court’s recent ruling that could hold social media platforms liable for their users’ content.
Trump also claimed that Brazil’s trade policies have caused “unsustainable Trade Deficits against the United States,” which threaten the U.S. economy and national security. But the United States has a goods trade surplus with Brazil, which totaled $7.4 billion in 2024, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Da Silva called out Trump’s false allegation of a trade deficit in his response, citing U.S. government figures. Trump also wrote that the United States is launching an investigation into potential unfair trade practices by Brazil. He said that probe is based on “Brazil’s continued attacks on the Digital Trade activities of American Companies.” “Please understand that the 50% number is far less than what is needed to have the Level Playing Field we must have with your Country,” Trump wrote. “And it is necessary to have this to rectify the grave injustices of the current regime.”
'Former leader Jair Bolsonaro knew and agreed to a plan to poison his successor and current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, as part of an attempt coup to remain in power.
Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet formally charged Bolsonaro for attempting a coup to stay in office after his 2022 election defeat. He said that the plan also aimed at shooting dead Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, a foe of the former president.'