STF Says It Will Not Yield to External Pressure After Trump Government Criticizes Brazilian Justice

Brazil's Supreme Court (STF) declared it will continue to operate with "independence and firmness," refusing to succumb to external influences or pressures. This statement follows the Trump administration's imposition of a 25% tariff on Brazilian products, a move reportedly prompted by decisions from Brazilian courts. STF President Minister Edson Fachin asserted that while the court respects the autonomy of all nations' institutions, it expects the same respect in return. "Divergences between States must be conducted through diplomatic channels and the mechanisms of International Law, never through initiatives that could be interpreted as a form of constraint on the exercise of constitutional jurisdiction," Fachin stated in a note. Reports indicate that U.S. tariffs were partly motivated by Brazilian courts issuing secret orders demanding U.S. tech companies remove political content. The U.S. government also cited daily fines imposed on these companies for non-compliance and potential operational interruptions in Brazil.