The recent tariff war action declared by Donald Trump against Brazil—raising U.S. import tariffs on Brazilian goods to 50%—represents a new and serious attack on our country. Using the excuse of what he calls the “persecution” of Bolsonaro and his allies, Trump escalated the trade war with his crude mercantilism by raising tariffs. In practice, this means the Brazilian far right’s political agenda is the driving force behind this tariff hike.

But this is not merely an attack on the government or the Supreme Federal Court (STF). It also targets key sectors of the national bourgeoisie—some of whom are Bolsonaro supporters—who are now being severely harmed by Trump’s decision. Moreover, it alienates segments of American society that see Trump trying to consolidate an authoritarian project. This happens just as a new political clash unfolds between Brazil’s federal government and Congress.

On one side, the National Congress has openly positioned itself as a direct agent of the bourgeoisie’s interests, rejecting any form of even minimally progressive tax reform. On the other side, faced with this scenario and growing right-wing resistance, the federal government had no choice but to intensify its discourse around taxing the ultra-rich, a class-based stance that, symbolically, is crucial for advancing political consciousness and mass mobilization.

This direct attack by the U.S. government on Brazil and its national sovereignty occurs in this new political context, serving as a show of solidarity with coup plotters seeking to reshape Brazil’s political regime through economic blackmail. They demand that the STF back down from holding the coup leaders accountable. That will not happen. The STF will judge Bolsonaro, and for that reason, bolsonarismo—the driving force behind Trump’s actions—will weaken as the U.S. attacks not only the government but also the country as a whole, including business sectors harmed by this trade war.

This is why some segments of Brazil’s own bourgeoisie are now criticizing Trump’s measures and denouncing Bolsonaro’s stance yet another act of irresponsibility, as recently reflected in an editorial by O Estado de S. Paulo. At the same time, Trump’s authoritarian project is facing strong criticism within the U.S. itself, with recent mass protests and opposition from multiple sectors.

In this context, we know who the people’s real enemies are: the same Brazilian far right that opposes taxing the super-rich and now openly supports Trump’s actions against Brazil. These are the same congressmen and senators who back Trump and Bolsonaro, acting against Brazil’s economy, defending coup plotters, impunity for criminals, and the intervention of a foreign government against our national interests.

Faced with this direct attack, now is the time for bold action to defend national sovereignty and protect our economy. We must impose reciprocal tariffs and commercial sanctions against the United States in response to the economic aggression coming from the White House. It is also essential to regulate the outflow of profits sent abroad by U.S. multinational corporations operating in Brazil under unfair advantages. In addition, we urgently need to review double taxation treaties and legal protections for large foreign investors—tools that for decades have limited the Brazilian state’s ability to regulate and tax international capital flows in the national interest.

It is time to punish those who conspire against Brazil, like Eduardo Bolsonaro and other reactionaries. It is time for a nationwide mobilization to defend the true interests of the people: demand taxes on the wealthy, pressure Congress to approve taxation on large fortunes, end the 6×1 work schedule, and implement other social measures currently being debated. We must take decisive steps to assert Brazil’s sovereignty, such as controlling capital flight and profit remittances abroad in this critical moment.

We will be in the streets with these banners high.
Tax the Rich! No to Trump and His Brazilian Allies!

National Secretariat of MES-PSOL
Brazil

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