| Published July 17, 2025
“He Treated Me Like a Brother”: Bolsonaro Declares Loyalty to Trump Despite U.S. Tariffs on Brazil
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has once again made headlines—this time for reaffirming his deep admiration for Donald Trump. In a recent interview with Brazil’s Poder360, Bolsonaro said Trump “treated me like a brother” and expressed unwavering affection for the United States, calling himself “passionate about America.” His remarks come at a politically charged moment: Trump’s 50% tariff on Brazilian goods—framed as retaliation for Bolsonaro’s legal troubles—has ignited backlash across Brazil. Yet, instead of criticizing the move, Bolsonaro doubled down on his loyalty, highlighting the personal bond between the two leaders as a symbol of a broader ideological alliance.
🇧🇷 Bolsonaro on Trump & America
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Strong praise from Bolsonaro: Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro described Donald Trump as treating him “like a brother” and said he is “passionate” about the U.S., its politics, and its people.
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Close bond: He recalled planning joint initiatives in resources and minerals, expressing deep gratitude for Trump’s friendship and support.
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Critique of U.S. tariffs: Bolsonaro spoke against Trump’s 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, claiming he would help resolve the dispute if he could communicate freely with Trump—something he can’t due to lack of passport access.
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Legal and political backdrop: The interview (with Poder 360) comes as Bolsonaro faces the final stage of a “coup” trial before Brazil’s Supreme Court. Prosecutors have recommended conviction and he is barred from office until 2030.
🌎 Broader geopolitical context
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Tariff backlash in Brazil: Trump’s punitive 50% tariffs—justified as retaliation for a “witch hunt” against Bolsonaro—have stirred nationalist sentiment, boosted President Lula, and drawn criticism from Bolsonaro’s circle and Brazilian conservatives.
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Legal developments: Brazilian prosecutors recently urged the Supreme Court to convict Bolsonaro for plotting a coup, with some suggesting he could face up to 40 years in prison.
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Diplomatic ripple effects: The tariffs have intensified friction between Brazil and the U.S., prompting Lula to vow retaliation and Brazil’s judges to publicly push back on external influence
Implications:
🇧🇷 1. Personal Loyalty Over National Interest
Bolsonaro’s open affection for Trump, even as Trump’s 50% tariffs hit Brazilian exports, suggests that personal loyalty may override economic pragmatism in his political messaging. His reluctance to criticize Trump, despite the tariffs harming Brazil’s agricultural and metals sectors, signals a priority on ideological alignment over domestic impact.
💼 2. Bolsonaro’s Legal Isolation—and Political Strategy
Currently banned from public office and facing a potential conviction over coup allegations, Bolsonaro’s U.S.-focused rhetoric may be a strategy to:
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Maintain relevance among international right-wing audiences,
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Frame himself as persecuted, mirroring Trump’s “witch hunt” narrative,
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Appeal to U.S. conservatives who might advocate for him on global platforms or pressure Brazil’s institutions.
💣 3. Tensions Between Brazil and U.S. Conservatives
Trump’s tariff policy—framed as retaliation for Bolsonaro’s legal troubles—has:
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Put Bolsonaro’s allies in a bind: they must choose between loyalty to Trump and defending Brazil’s economy.
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Strengthened President Lula: portraying himself as the one standing up for Brazilian sovereignty against foreign interference.
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Risked alienating Brazil’s judiciary, who now see foreign political interference as undermining their authority.
🌍 4. Growing Conservative Nationalist Axis
Bolsonaro’s remarks reflect the deepening ideological alliance between global nationalist leaders—Trump, Bolsonaro, Orban, Milei, etc.—who:
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Share messaging strategies: anti-establishment, anti-globalist, pro-sovereignty,
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Frame legal prosecution as political persecution,
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Mobilize support across borders by echoing each other’s struggles and successes.
📉 5. Risk of Backfire for Both Trump and Bolsonaro
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For Trump: Tariffs meant to show support for Bolsonaro may undermine his appeal among global pro-market conservatives, and alienate Latin American leaders.
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For Bolsonaro: His closeness to Trump—even while Brazil suffers economically—could further damage his image as a patriotic leader, especially if Lula capitalizes on rising prices or job losses tied to U.S. policies.
Overall Takeaway:
Jair Bolsonaro’s declaration that Donald Trump “treated me like a brother” is more than a sentimental remark—it’s a political signal. In the face of legal trials, economic setbacks, and a global conservative realignment, Bolsonaro continues to cast himself as a loyal soldier in Trump’s ideological camp. But that loyalty comes at a price. As Brazil grapples with punishing U.S. tariffs and internal political division, Bolsonaro’s unwavering admiration for Trump raises questions about whose interests he truly serves—his nation’s or his political legacy. At a time when the lines between personal allegiance and national policy are blurring, Bolsonaro’s words offer a revealing glimpse into the populist playbook: stay close to power, even if it burns the bridge back home.
