Donald Trump’s Empire of Grift

In the summer of 2025, Brazil faced an unprecedented crisis when the United States imposed 50 percent tariffs on its products. The tariffs were not aimed at addressing economic issues, but rather as a means to influence Brazil's internal politics. President Trump criticized the Brazilian government, labeling it a "WITCH HUNT" against former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was on trial for attempting a coup after losing the 2022 election.

MAGA supporters, inspired by Trump's actions during the 2021 January 6 riot, rallied in support of Bolsonaro.

The U.S. had previously used financial sanctions and visa bans to punish dictators and criminals. However, Brazilian Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who was trying Bolsonaro, had never been accused of any wrongdoing. Instead, he faced two strikes against him: the court was investigating Bolsonaro, and Elon Musk, Trump's largest election donor, threatened to fine X after de Moraes ordered it to block disinformation accounts.

Brazil's government, typically well-connected in Washington, found itself isolated during this crisis. The Brazilian ambassador to Washington was cut off from communication with the Trump administration, and even a close friend of the U.S. Secretary of State could not be reached. The Brazilian finance minister, Fernando Haddad, managed to arrange a meeting with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, but it was canceled at the last minute in favor of a meeting with Eduardo Bolsonaro, Trump's son.

With Brazil's officials unable to communicate with U.S. officials, informal actors stepped in. Some were lobbyists with connections to Mar-a-Lago or MAGA influencers, while others were businesses seeking deals. A truce was eventually reached, facilitated by billionaire Joesley Batista, who had donated $5 million to Trump's inauguration. Despite the detente, the tariffs were eventually reduced.