Brian Winter on PBS about Bolsonaro's Conviction and U.S.-Brazil Relations
Brian Winter on PBS about Bolsonaro's Conviction and U.S.-Brazil Relations
"We do expect there to be some sort of response from the Trump White House," said the AS/COA executive vice president.
Americas Society/Council of the Americas Executive Vice President Brian Winter spoke on PBS about the conviction of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, the political polarization in Brazil, and the parallels and growing tensions between the U.S. and Brazil.
Winter discussed the historic legal ruling against Bolsonaro, who was convicted of attempting to overthrow an election, noting that a full prison sentence is not guaranteed and the trial could reignite Bolsonaro's political support. He also explained how this is is also an important event for U.S.-Brazil relations.
"This is also a big day for the relationship between Brazil and the United States because, [...] we do expect there to be some sort of response from the Trump White House."
The expert drew several parallels between the political situations in Brazil and the United States, pointing out that the judicial proceedings against Bolsonaro could "reanimate the Bolsonaro base in the same way that some of the trials against President Donald Trump reanimated Republican supporters."
He also spoke about what could be the potential response of the United States.
"Brazil is not the only country in the world that has faced U.S. sanctions, but it is the only country in the world where those sanctions have been linked to a judicial process. So far, this 50 percent tariff has not changed the mind of the courts. In fact, it may have even solidified their willpower. [...] People in Brazil are worried about what President Trump might do next, and that will be the next chapter in this story."
