Although he warned that “we have to see what the political and financial conditions are” that the loan entails.
Trump’s strategic alliances
The United States “didn’t ask for anything in return, and we, of course, said what everyone already knows, that for us they are a strategic ally,” Caputo said.
President Donald Trump often supports leaders of other countries with whom he shares a political affinity, even if there is no direct benefit to his agenda.
In Latin America, Trump has shown greater affinity with far-right leaders. Washington has been pressuring the Brazilian government for several weeks to support former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was convicted of a coup.
In August, Trump imposed a 50% tariff on imports of many Brazilian products to combat what he called a “witch hunt” against Bolsonaro, who was sentenced to 27 years in prison for trying to seize power after losing the 2022 election.
In addition to the tariffs, the United States imposed consular and financial sanctions on Supreme Court justices who convicted Bolsonaro and other officials.
Under house arrest since August, the former Brazilian president (2019-2022) is waiting for the court to rule on any appeals from his defense so that the sentence can be enforced.
Furthermore, his government also has a close relationship with Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador, who agreed to imprison migrants expelled from the United States in a high-security prison, even though they are not Salvadoran.
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