Brazil's PT Party Links Bolsonaro to Proposed US Tariffs, Dubbing it 'Tariflávio'

Allies of Brazilian President Lula are actively working to link Senator Flávio Bolsonaro to proposed U.S. tariffs on Brazilian goods, coining the term "Tariflávio" on social media. The ruling Workers' Party (PT) seeks to associate Bolsonaro, a presidential hopeful and opponent of Lula, with the investigation by the U.S. Trade Representative's Office that suggests new 25% duties on Brazilian products. This strategy aims to contrast Lula's efforts to negotiate with the U.S. following his meeting with Donald Trump with Bolsonaro's recent engagement with American officials, which was followed by the classification of Brazilian groups as terrorist organizations and now the proposed tariffs. The government sees an opportunity to avoid the tariffs through negotiations while simultaneously undermining Bolsonaro's political standing ahead of the October elections. PT's National Secretary for Communication, Éden Valadares, stated that the U.S. tariff proposal "has a name: Tarifaço, Flávio, Tariflávio." He contrasted Lula's actions defending Brazil's economy with Bolsonaro's alleged actions to "betray the country." Former Minister of Agrarian Development, Paulo Teixeira (PT), echoed this sentiment, accusing Bolsonaro's sons of seeking Trump's help to "sabotage Brazil" to free their father. Federal Deputy Carlos Zarattini (PL-SP) also claimed "Tariflávio" was spurred by the Bolsonaro family's U.S. dealings, arguing the measure harms Brazil's economy and workers, not Lula. Former Deputy Marcelo Freixo (PT) asserted that Bolsonaro is the first presidential candidate to "openly side against the Brazilian people in favor of a foreign nation," suggesting he would compromise national interests like the PIX instant payment system to appease Trump. Flávio Bolsonaro, however, stated in Belo Horizonte that he had "expressly" asked the U.S. president not to impose tariffs on Brazilian companies. He characterized the U.S. measure as retaliation against Lula, suggesting that American officials distrust Lula because he allegedly asked them not to combat criminal factions.

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The U.S. tariff proposal has a name: Tarifaço, Flávio, Tariflávio. President Lula went to the U.S. to defend Brazil and our economy. Bolsonaro's son went to defend his own family, betray the country, and since then things have only gotten worse.