The global tariff hike announced by Trump hits Brazil hard — especially the state of São Paulo, whose economy is heavily geared towards exports. Even so, Governor Tarcísio de Freitas has not said a word. The silence is complicit: given the real damage to industry and jobs, Bolsonaro’s allies prefer not to criticize their political idol. Worse still: they try to support the absurd and ridiculous thesis that Brazil was “taxed very little” — only 10%.

Trump, by unilaterally and senselessly imposing additional tariffs, dismantles all the liberal rhetoric that he and his followers — including Bolsonaro supporters — have used for years. The tariff hike destroys the idea that the “market regulates itself” and that “a good government is a government that does not interfere.” It is a deeply interventionist measure that exposes the government’s interference in the American economy, even to the detriment of trading partners. It is the very symbol of American capitalism tearing up the liberal manuals.

Given this, it is grotesque to see sectors of the Brazilian far right trying to justify the unjustifiable, as if Brazil should be grateful for being harmed less severely. Something like imagining that one should applaud a slap in the face just because it came with less force.

Instead of being outraged, the right remains silent or tries to invert the logic, as it always does when reality contradicts its narrative.

Meanwhile, the Lula government is reacting with institutional responsibility. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is acting diplomatically and technically to defend Brazilian interests without subservience, seeking solutions and dialogue in multilateral forums. This balanced stance contrasts with the ideological surrender of the recent past. More than ever, Brazil needs a government that faces crises with maturity — and not one that applauds people for being screwed over.