U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has defended the Trump administration’s recent imposition of international tariffs, stating they are legally and politically justified, even when motivated by non-economic concerns. Speaking on CBS’ Face the Nation, Greer said the White House acted within its legal authority under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) in levying a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports last week.
The move, largely attributed to Brazil’s social media restrictions and the ongoing criminal trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro, has drawn international criticism. Bolsonaro, an ally of Donald Trump, is accused of conspiring to overturn Brazil’s 2022 election results. The Biden administration has reportedly pushed Brazil to intervene, but Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has declined, citing judicial independence and the lack of legal grounds to halt the trial without sweeping amnesty.
Trump defended Bolsonaro on Truth Social in July, framing the trial as politically motivated: “This is nothing more, or less, than an attack on a Political Opponent, Something I know much about!”
Greer maintained that the tariffs align with historic precedent, noting that past presidents of both parties have used IEEPA to apply sanctions on geopolitical grounds. He added that while the U.S. typically runs a trade surplus with Brazil, the tariffs reflect broader foreign policy considerations.
The administration’s tariff strategy has also affected relations with Canada. Last Thursday, the White House imposed new tariffs on Canadian goods, though items protected under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) remain exempt. Trump recently criticized Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recognition of Palestinian statehood, warning it could jeopardize trade negotiations.
Despite stalled talks, Greer said the administration remains open to a deal. “If there’s a way to a deal, we’ll find it,” he said, “and if it’s not, we’ll have the tariff levels that we have.”
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