U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping 50% tariff on goods imported from Brazil, dramatically escalating trade tensions with Latin America’s largest economy over digital policy disputes and the prosecution of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

In a tariff proclamation posted on social media Tuesday, Trump accused the Brazilian government of targeting U.S. technology firms and conducting a “witch hunt” against Bolsonaro, who faces charges for allegedly attempting to overturn Brazil’s 2022 election results.

“This tariff is necessary to rectify the grave injustices of the current regime,” Trump wrote, referencing what he called “insidious attacks on Free Elections” and “censorship of U.S. social media platforms,” including his own company, Trump Media, which operates Truth Social.

He also directed the U.S. Trade Representative to open a Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s digital trade practices — a move that could pave the way for even broader retaliatory actions.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva swiftly condemned the move. “No one is above the law,” he posted in response, warning that Brazil would impose reciprocal tariffs if Washington follows through. “We will defend Brazil’s sovereignty and our democracy,” Lula added.

The Trump administration had previously floated a 10% tariff as part of its global trade overhaul, but Tuesday’s announcement marks the most aggressive stance yet in a campaign that has seen tariff threats issued to more than 20 countries in recent weeks.

The tensions come amid growing legal clashes between Brazil and major U.S. tech companies. Brazilian courts have ruled that social media firms can be held accountable for the content they host — a ruling that led to temporary bans and fines for companies including Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) and Truth Social.

Trump denounced the rulings as a coordinated attack on American free speech, writing, “This is nothing more, or less, than an attack on a Political Opponent – Something I know much about!” Bolsonaro, for his part, thanked Trump for the backing in a post of his own.

Lula, addressing Trump’s broader criticisms earlier this week, dismissed the former president’s rhetoric: “He needs to know that the world has changed. We don’t want an emperor.”

With the U.S. election cycle heating up and global trade increasingly weaponized, analysts warn the rift between Washington and Brasília could have lasting consequences for bilateral relations and international tech policy.