Former US President Donald Trump has publicly called for an immediate cessation of the legal proceedings against Brazil’s ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, as tensions between Washington and Brasília continue to worsen. Trump’s demand comes amid fresh economic measures, including the unprecedented imposition of a 50% tariff on key Brazilian exports, a move that has rattled diplomatic channels and raised fears of a burgeoning trade conflict. The White House characterized the trial as “politically motivated,” urging Brazilian authorities to reconsider their course to preserve the longstanding partnership between the two nations.

The escalating dispute has seen a series of retaliatory steps and harsh rhetoric from both sides, threatening to destabilize economic ties. International observers note several critical areas…