The director of the US National Economic Council, Kevin Hassett, said on Sunday that they are “much higher” than other business partners because of US President Donald Trump’s “frustration” of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
“Brazil’s actions have shocked Trump. Brazil’s fare is much higher because of Trump’s frustration on Bolsonaro and the fact that Bolsonaro himself knows…” Hassett told ABC’s “This Week” show, being interrupted by the interviewer.
Upon being questioned again, the counselor linked Brazilian tariffs also concerns about US “national security” and the need to expand local production of goods, avoiding responding directly to the point on Americans have commercial surplus with Brazilians and about possible interference in the Brazilian judiciary. “We always put America first. This is about America focusing on its golden age and putting tariffs and other policies where they need it,” he said.
Hassett argued that Trump has the right to target Brazil for his actions and policies as a threat to national security under the International Emergency Economic Powers Law (IEPA).
