Last month, two State Department officials were set to make what they called a routine visit to Brazil, ahead of October’s presidential election. Their stated objective was an assessment of election integrity, religious freedom and freedom of expression in Latin America’s largest democracy. Brazil was not convinced. It slammed the door in their faces and denied their visas. 

Washington insists its diplomats were simply sent to ask questions. Brasília cries foreign interference from a nation that has a history of meddling in Latin American politics. Tensions between the two largest democracies in the Americas have not run this high in decades. 

Unfortunately for the Brazilian right, the son of Jair Bolsonaro carries baggage

Unfortunately for the Brazilian right, the son of Jair Bolsonaro carries baggage

Since returning to office, Donald Trump has not shied away from making aggressive interventions in Brazil. He declared a national emergency last year, citing social media censorship by Brazil’s Supreme Court as an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the US economy and national security. Trump has designated Brazil’s cartels as terrorist organizations and imposed 37.5 percent tariffs on Brazilian goods. His provocations also include nominating Florida Republican Daniel Perez as........

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