Trump hoped his tariffs on Brazil would help Bolsonaro avoid accountability for his illegal attempt to stay in power in 2023. But they could have the opposite effect.

Trump twinned his threat to Brazil with the promise of a 50% tariff on copper, which would strike at the economic lifeline of two more Southern neighbors, Chile and Peru. The president capped his week by setting a 30% tariff on Mexican imports as of Aug. 1.

President Trump’s tariff threat against Brazil to protect his ally, former President Jair Bolsonaro, has sparked political turmoil in the South American country.