Sánchez: Brazil tariffs show Trump’s 301 investigation was sham from start

WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) released the following statement after the Trump administration proposed a new 25 percent tariff on Brazil:

“This confirms what we knew from the start: President Trump's Section 301 investigation was never about assessing the facts. It was a sham to impose more tariffs on Brazil.

“Trump has been threatening tariffs to pressure Brazil since returning to office. This is not about trade disputes. This is to undermine democracy and free his ally, former President Bolsonaro, after his own failed coup attempt. Even last week, Trump hosted Bolsonaro’s son at the White House who is running to oust President Lula’s government in Brazil’s upcoming election.

“Trump is using tariffs to settle political scores and Americans are paying the price. He is raising costs for working families while damaging American credibility abroad. Congress created the Section 301 process to protect American workers, not to settle the president’s personal grievances.”

###