Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Addresses Threats to the United States from the Government of Brazil

7/30/2025

Fact Sheets

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Action Summary

National Emergency Declaration: President Trump declared a new national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 to address actions by the Government of Brazil that threaten U.S. national security, foreign policy, and the economy.
Tariff Imposition: An additional 40% tariff is added to existing measures, bringing the total tariff on Brazilian goods to 50% in response to Brazil’s policies and practices.
Human Rights and Free Speech Concerns: The Order targets Brazil’s politically motivated persecution, censorship, harassment, and prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro and his supporters, labeling these acts as serious human rights abuses.
Coercion and Censorship Actions: The document details how Brazilian officials, particularly Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, have coerced U.S. companies into censoring political speech through threats of fines, criminal prosecution, asset freezes, and market exclusion.
Defending U.S. Interests: The action is framed as a measure to protect U.S. companies from extortion and censorship, ensure the safeguarding of American free speech, and reinforce a foreign policy that prioritizes U.S. values and security.
America First Directive and Visa Restrictions: In line with an “America First Policy Directive,” additional measures include visa revocations for individuals tied to the censorship and human rights abuses, reinforcing a broader strategy to prioritize U.S. national interests.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order imposing a 50% tariff on Brazil could lead to increased costs for U.S. companies importing goods from Brazil, potentially affecting their profitability and operations. This may also impact Vanderbilt University if it relies on any Brazilian imports for its programs or research.
The national emergency declaration and tariffs could strain U.S.-Brazil relations, potentially affecting academic collaborations or student exchanges between Vanderbilt and Brazilian institutions.
The focus on safeguarding free speech and protecting U.S. companies from censorship may align with Vanderbilt’s values, but the political tensions could create an uncertain environment for international students and faculty from Brazil.
Vanderbilt may need to assess its partnerships and collaborations with Brazilian entities to ensure compliance with the new U.S. policies and avoid potential legal or financial repercussions.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s International Programs may face challenges in maintaining partnerships with Brazilian universities and research institutions due to the heightened political tensions and visa restrictions.
The Office of Global Safety and Security might need to provide additional guidance and support to students and faculty traveling to or from Brazil, considering the potential for increased scrutiny and visa complications.
Research initiatives involving Brazilian collaborators or data may require reevaluation to ensure compliance with U.S. policies and avoid disruptions.

Financial Impact

The tariffs could lead to increased costs for any Vanderbilt programs that rely on Brazilian imports, potentially affecting budgets and resource allocation.
Changes in U.S.-Brazil relations may impact funding opportunities for research and academic collaborations, necessitating adjustments in grant application strategies and partnerships.
Vanderbilt may need to explore alternative sources of funding or partnerships to mitigate the financial impact of the tariffs and political tensions.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential impacts on international collaborations and financial considerations.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor the impact of the new tariffs on Brazil, as these could affect international collaborations and partnerships, particularly in research and academic exchanges. Understanding the broader economic implications will be crucial for strategic planning.
The Vanderbilt Law School could explore opportunities to conduct research on international law and human rights, focusing on the implications of the U.S. government’s actions against Brazil. This research could enhance Vanderbilt’s reputation as a leader in international legal studies.
Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management should assess the potential impact of these tariffs on global business operations and supply chains. This assessment can inform curriculum development and prepare students for navigating complex international trade environments.
The Center for Latin American Studies at Vanderbilt should engage in dialogue and research on the political and economic dynamics between the U.S. and Brazil. This could include hosting forums or workshops to discuss the implications of the executive order and its impact on U.S.-Brazil relations.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Political Science Department to study the effects of international tariffs on diplomatic relations and foreign policy. This research could contribute to a deeper understanding of the geopolitical landscape and inform policy recommendations.
Vanderbilt can leverage its expertise in international relations to provide insights and policy recommendations on the U.S. government’s approach to addressing human rights abuses and censorship in Brazil. This could position the university as a thought leader in global human rights advocacy.
By engaging with policymakers and international organizations, Vanderbilt can play a role in shaping the discourse on free speech and human rights, potentially influencing future policy decisions and international agreements.

Relevance Score: 3 (The executive order requires some adjustments to processes and procedures, particularly in international collaborations and research initiatives.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.4

Timeline for Implementation

Additional tariff imposed immediately upon signing on July 30, 2025.
Visa restriction policy announced on May 28, 2025.
Directive to revoke visas issued on July 18, 2025.

Relevance Score: 5

Impacted Government Organizations

White House / Executive Office of the President: The President’s use of IEEPA authority to declare a national emergency and impose tariffs indicates that the White House and its offices will oversee and coordinate the implementation of these measures.
Department of State: Directed through the “America First Policy Directive” and specific instructions to Secretary Rubio, the Department of State is tasked with implementing visa restrictions and other related foreign policy measures.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only 1 or 2 agencies are directly impacted by the order.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary of State – Received the America First Policy Directive to ensure that U.S. foreign policy prioritizes American interests.
Secretary Rubio – Directed by the President to revoke visas for Justice de Moraes, his allies, and their immediate family members in response to human rights and free speech violations.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives involve Cabinet-level officials whose actions have significant national impact.)