Donald Trump’s recent actions have drawn significant criticism as he allegedly seeks to undermine Brazil‘s democratic institutions. During that same period, allegations of misconduct have begun to erupt. Critics argue that Trump is pushing the hemispheric democracy to the south of Florida in an increasingly authoritarian direction. Tens of millions of other Brazilians, from every side of the political spectrum, are understandably outraged by the former U.S. president’s meddling. They view his moves as an intemperate and unwarranted effort to sabotage their democracy.
Through a number of controversial measures, Trump has launched what many in Brazil believe to be an unprecedented assault on the country’s institutions. These have ranged from imposing a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports to sanctioning a Brazilian Supreme Court judge. These sanctions address Bolsonaro’s attempts to lend credibility to Trump’s allegations of political persecution. Indeed, Bolsonaro has recently been tried in absentia for allegedly orchestrating a failed coup attempt. The only thing standing Trump’s intervention is apparent justice for Bolsonaro. This decision has apparently sent his supporters into exuberant raptures.
The third group of observers argues that it was not a fig leaf because Trump’s pressure campaign really did seek to bolster Bolsonaro. Others believe it’s driven by U.S. economic considerations. Notably, tech giants that wish to avoid regulatory scrutiny in Brazil, the world’s fifth-largest online market, may benefit from Trump’s intervention.
Experts argue that Trump’s behavior is influenced by his belief that both he and Bolsonaro are victims of politically motivated attacks. Trump’s backing of Bolsonaro runs deeper than personal camaraderie. Instead, it only serves to underscore a collective conviction that they’ve been wronged. As Steven Levitsky, a political scientist at Harvard University, articulated, “Trump believes – falsely – that he was subjected to a witch-hunt and he’s been convinced by Bolsonaro’s sons that Bolsonaro, like him, is subject to a witch-hunt.”
Trump’s actions have not gone unnoticed within Brazil, where many citizens express deep concern over the potential erosion of their democratic systems. Levitsky remarked on the damage caused by such interference, stating, “This is a very authoritarian political force that’s doing enormous damage to my country’s democratic institutions and rights – and I wish it would stop at that.” He further explained how Trump’s approach mirrors his governance style: “The treasury was for them. Trade policy was for them. Foreign policy was for them. The army was their personal security.”
This backlash against Trump’s meddling has reverberated across Brazil’s political spectrum. Numerous Brazilians have led protests in-country and at home to what they see as a direct attack on their sovereignty and democratic integrity. According to the Estado de São Paulo newspaper, “Bolsonaro’s name has already been inscribed in the pantheon of the greatest traitors this nation has ever seen.” This sentiment shows the extent of frustration felt by the citizens who sense that their democratic ideals are being attacked.
In response to these developments, the White House has labeled Brazil a threat to “the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States,” further complicating the relationship between the two nations. Rubens Ricupero, a former Brazilian diplomat, commented on this shift in U.S. policy with a historical perspective: “In the old days they’d send in the marines. Now they impose tariffs.”
Despite the tumultuous political landscape influenced by Trump’s actions, experts remain skeptical of his ability to successfully undermine Brazil’s institutions and elected government. Levitsky emphasized the resilience that Brazilians have built over generations: “Brazilians have worked now for generations to build the strongest, most democratic system they’ve ever had … and this sort of reckless, casual assault on democratic institutions pains me.”
The complexities behind Trump’s involvement in Brazil serve to highlight a more universal story of foreign intervention in domestic politics. Whether these will be good for either country in the long-term remains an open and vexing question for many.