The administration announced a campaign of economic and diplomatic pressure to influence Brazil's upcoming presidential election.
The administration is actively influencing Brazil's presidential election, which will take place on October 4. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is running for a fourth term against Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. To tip the scales in favor of Flávio Bolsonaro, the administration has imposed 25% tariffs on most Brazilian imports and designated two major crime groups as foreign terrorist organisations. These measures are intended to weaken the incumbent government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Brazilian officials have also reacted to US interference by refusing visas to two officials from the US State Department who intended to visit the country to discuss electoral integrity. In retaliation, the administration revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador to Washington. The administration's strategy reflects a broader effort to reestablish American dominance in the Western Hemisphere. While Brazil maintains strong trade ties with China, the administration's pressure aims to secure access to critical minerals and strategic resources. The administration also proposed Magnitsky sanctions on Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who presided over the case that led to the imprisonment of Jair Bolsonaro.