Brazilians burn Trump effigies in protest over tariffs
Brazilians burned effigies of Donald Trump during protests in several cities on Friday to denounce his imposition of punitive tariffs on Brazilian goods.
Demonstrations were held in Brasilia, Sao Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro, indicating the deteriorating relations between two of the largest economies in the Americas.
Despite the modest turnout, the demonstrations reflected widespread anger over Trump’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports.
Trump acknowledged that he was punishing Brazil in response to its prosecution of his political ally, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently on trial on charges of plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election.
Trump described Bolsonaro’s trial as “politically motivated persecution” and a “witch hunt,” while the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on the presiding judge in the trial, Alexandre de Moraes.
The new tariffs are scheduled to take effect on August 6.
In a rare address on Friday, Judge Moraes pledged to continue working, despite the US travel ban and asset freeze.
Moraes has repeatedly attacked the Brazilian far-right and its leader, Bolsonaro, and has also criticized billionaire Elon Musk for online disinformation.
In a recent ruling, Moraes ordered Bolsonaro, who faces a 40-year prison sentence, to wear an electronic ankle bracelet until his trial ends.
