U.S. President Donald Trump said he is unconcerned about Brazil, Mexico and other Latin American nations deepening commercial ties with China, insisting the region is free to “do what they want.” Speaking to reporters on 14 August, Trump dismissed suggestions that Washington’s steep tariffs on Chinese goods are driving its neighbors toward Beijing. Trump characterized Brazil as “one of the worst countries on Earth” and a “horrible trade partner,” arguing that the United States is outperforming all other economies despite the realignment of some Latin American trade flows. He also briefly addressed the recent imprisonment of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, though he did not elaborate on the case.