Trump's comments, shared via social media, accuse Brazil of targeting US tech companies and echo a broader narrative regarding former president Jair Bolsonaro's legal challenges related to efforts to overturn Brazil's 2022 election results. The US president's remarks come in the wake of previous tensions between Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva concerning Bolsonaro's accountability. Lula rejected any notions of outside interference, emphasizing that "No one is above the law."

The tariff announcement is part of a larger communication effort where Trump conveyed similar plans to other countries, aiming to raise tariffs that had previously been put on hold amid backlash from financial markets. This new tariff for Brazil represents a notable escalation from the previously stated 10% rate, indicating a targeted approach from the White House aimed at addressing perceived wrongs on the international stage.