🇺🇸 Donald Trump
Trump wants control of the entire western hemisphere. Brazil might become his biggest prize | Steve Bloomfield
What happened
Trump's administration has been supporting right-wing candidates in Latin America, including in Brazil, where Flávio Bolsonaro is running against incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on Brazilian goods and dispatched officials to investigate "electoral integrity". Lula has responded by accusing Trump of trying to meddle in Brazil's elections. The US has also designated two Brazilian criminal organisations as terrorist groups, which has put Lula on
Why it matters
The outcome of the Brazilian election could have significant implications for the region, with Trump's preferred candidate potentially signing Brazil up to a coalition of right-wing leaders that could lead to increased military involvement in the fight against crime. The rise of organised crime has spread fear across the continent, and voters are turning to security populists like Flávio Bolsonaro for solutions. The outcome of the election could solidify the right's grip on Latin America.
Key facts
- Trump's administration has been supporting right-wing candidates in Latin America.
- The US has threatened to impose tariffs on Brazilian goods.
- The US has designated two Brazilian criminal organisations as terrorist groups.
- Lula has accused Trump of trying to meddle in Brazil's elections.
- Flávio Bolsonaro has campaigned on a platform of cracking down on crime and gangs.
Topics
Publisher evidence used
Reporting attributed to theguardian.com. WorldLeadersNews links readers to the publisher and does not present a headline-only item as a full article analysis.
Related leaders
