U.S. President Donald Trump released a letter on 17 July urging Brazilian authorities to halt the Supreme Federal Court trial of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is charged with orchestrating a failed coup after the 2022 election. Trump called the proceedings “unjust” and said the case should “end immediately.” The letter, posted on Trump’s social-media account, accuses the Brazilian government of operating a “ridiculous regime of censorship” and attacking political opponents. Trump wrote that he is “watching closely” and praised Bolsonaro as a “highly respected and strong leader.” The intervention follows Trump’s threat last week to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports starting 1 August, citing what he called political persecution of Bolsonaro. The U.S. Trade Representative has since opened an inquiry into Brazil’s trade practices. Brasília has not formally responded to Trump’s latest demand.