The Intelligence from The Economist Heavy meddle: Trump and Brazil
16 snips
Jul 30, 2025 
Anna Edelstein, Brazil bureau chief at The Economist, discusses the strained relations between Donald Trump and Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, emphasizing Trump's loyalty to ousted leader Jair Bolsonaro. Leo Marani, the India correspondent, reveals that India has overtaken China in private jet ownership, driven by a growing affluent class amidst urban challenges. The conversation also touches on the cultural evolution of Hong Kong’s famous cha chan tang cafes, adapting to the diaspora while navigating political changes.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
US Pressure on Brazil's Judiciary
- Donald Trump targets Brazil's Lula mainly due to his alignment with former president Bolsonaro.
- The US is pressuring Brazil's judiciary through sanctions and visa revocations against key judges.
Lula Challenges US Hegemony
- Lula opposes US hegemony by courting China and promoting local currencies.
- Trump views this as a threat, further fueling tensions and support for Bolsonaro allies in the US.
Tariffs Backfire Politically
- Trump's proposed 50% tariffs on Brazil defy economic logic since Brazil has a US trade deficit.
- Tariffs disproportionately hurt Bolsonaro-supporting regions, ironically boosting Lula's support via nationalist sentiment.