Trump’s Tariffs: Retaliation Over Bolsonaro’s Imprisonment Undermines U.S.-Latin America Relations

In yet another display of petty authoritarianism, Donald Trump has announced sweeping tariffs on Latin American goods in response to the rightful imprisonment of his ally, Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro, who attempted a coup in Brazil after losing an election, eerily mirroring Trump’s own efforts to subvert democracy, now faces justice in a court of law. Rather than respecting the rule of law, Trump has chosen to retaliate, using tariffs as a weapon to punish Brazil and its neighbors.

Trump’s antagonistic relationship with Latin America will only worsen cooperation on critical issues like migration and drug trafficking. Instead of fostering partnerships to address shared challenges, Trump’s actions alienate key allies in the region. By imposing tariffs, as well as having the Treasury Department levy sanctions against the judge investigating Bolsonaro, he puts his personal grievances firmly before diplomacy and the national interest.

This is not about economic strategy—they are about Trump’s petty, self-serving agenda. Time and again, he has abused tariff authority to settle personal scores, using the “national emergency” loophole to bypass Congress. Bolsonaro’s legal troubles, however, are hardly a “national emergency” for the United States. Congress, not the president, holds the constitutional power of the purse, and Trump’s brazen disregard for this principle highlights his autocratic tendencies.

What Trump fails to acknowledge—or deliberately ignores—is that tariffs are a direct tax on goods. These taxes fall squarely on American consumers and businesses, driving up costs and fueling inflation. Every time Trump imposes tariffs, everyday Americans pay the price at the checkout counter. His reckless trade policies exacerbate financial strain for working families, all in the name of settling personal vendettas. As of July 30th, hundreds of things the U.S. imports from Brazil—including coffee and fertilizer—[will now have a 50% tax attached](As of July 30th, hundreds of things the U.S. imports from Brazil—including coffee and fertilizer), just because he's mad that another country dared to stand up to an authoritarian.

Moreover, Trump’s approach undermines long-term economic stability. Latin America is a crucial trading partner, and his erratic use of tariffs creates uncertainty and damages trust. Cooperation with Latin American nations is essential to addressing migration flows and combating drug trafficking, yet Trump’s shortsighted policies only deepen divisions. Despite the "exceptions" to the tariffs, for example, Brazilian energy companies are [refusing to ship oil to the U.S.](As of July 30th, hundreds of things the U.S. imports from Brazil—including coffee and fertilizer) because they don't want to deal with the insanity and inconsistency the administration pretends is economic policy. This is no way to run a hot dog stand, let alone our economic livelihoods.

The United States needs a coherent trade policy that prioritizes national interests over personal grievances. Tariffs should be a tool of last resort, used strategically and with congressional oversight—not wielded impulsively by a spiteful wannabe king. Trump’s misuse of tariff authority not only hurts American families, but also weakens our standing on the global stage.

Congress must reassert its constitutional role in trade policy to prevent further abuses. The power to impose tariffs should not rest in the hands of one man, especially one so willing to exploit it for personal reasons. Americans deserve leaders who act in the national interest—not ones who inflate our grocery bills to defend their billionaire friends.

The fight for a fair and responsible trade policy is a fight for economic stability and democratic accountability. Trump’s tariffs are not about protecting America—they are about protecting himself. It’s time for leaders in Washington to stand up and ensure that tariff policies reflect the needs of the nation, not the whims of one man.

Bolsonaro has been accused of plotting to poison his successor, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and planning to shoot Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is investigating him. Despite these allegations, Donald Trump considers Bolsonaro a friend and fellow authoritarian-apparent. Trump's defense of Bolsonaro, coupled with his opposition to Brazil regulating U.S. tech companies, is motivated by his attempts to undermine Brazil who reacted as the US should have when its Trumplike despot attempted to stay in power. This stance risks pushing Brazil closer to China and hindering regional efforts to combat drug trafficking. The Trump administration has sanctioned Judge Moraes, who is prosecuting Bolsonaro for his egregious crimes.

Trump's actions are seen by some as an attack on Brazilian democracy. Trump is also noted as the first president to attempt using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to unilaterally impose tariffs, a power traditionally vested in Congress. While the IEEPA was designed for national emergencies, Trump's invocation of it appears closely tied to his personal opinions instead of reality. The [sudden July 31st decision to raise the Canada tariffs by 10%](Canada-U.S. trade: Trump increases tariff on Canada to 35%), for example, was "explained" by concerns about fentanyl trafficking across the northern border—which, of course, is practically nonexistent.

In May, a U.S. Trade Court ruled Trump's tariffs illegal, leading to an appeal now before a Federal Appeals Court, where oral arguments on the case were heard July 31st. The outcome of this case could significantly impact Trump's efforts to implement his economic policy within the U.S., which has already led to ominous recession indicators, like sharp increases in inflation.

Given that the Republican-controlled Congress is apparently enthusiastic about maintaining this madness, what are ordinary citizens to do? One easy thing is to tell the truth. The administration's lies about tariffs "raising revenue" are designed to hide the truth of higher prices for us as companies pass rising production costs onto consumers. If you know someone who's not politically engaged yet, mention the real reason why things are more expensive. Another thing is to make your voice heard to your House Representative, who are back in their districts until September. For example, you can attend a town hall or hold your own if you have a group to work with. If that's not possible, writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper and mentioning their name is sure to get their attention and have them thinking about what they can do for positive coverage. No taxation without representation—so let's make ourselves heard.