Trump cast his announcement as a pressure tactic to help Bolsonaro, who is on trial for allegedly plotting a coup to overturn his loss in the 2022 presidential election.

The Trump administration launched a trade investigation against Brazil on Tuesday, just one week after blasting Brasília for its treatment of ally former President Jair Bolsonaro. The trade investigation ostensibly regards unfair trade practices.

Trump announced a 50 percent tariff on all Brazilian goods, escalating a feud over Brazil’s prosecution of former president Jair Bolsonaro. Brazil vowed to retaliate.