MAGA Is Making the World Safe for Corruption

The recent tariff crisis between Brazil and the United States has sparked a flurry of headlines, but beneath the surface lies a more disturbing reality: American far-right interests are increasingly involved in international affairs. The Trump administration’s use of tariffs as a tool to influence Brazilian politics marks a new low in this trend.

Historically, economic sanctions have been used to counter authoritarian regimes and promote democratic values. However, under President Trump, these tools were weaponized for more insidious purposes: to further the interests of his allies and donors abroad. In Brazil’s case, the stakes were high – the country’s sovereignty was being threatened by a combination of domestic instability and foreign interference.

Steve Bannon and other MAGA boosters played a significant role in supporting Jair Bolsonaro’s followers, embracing language of election denialism to exploit local grievances for international purposes. The fact that figures like Bannon have been welcomed into power circles while peddling conspiracy theories about democratic institutions highlights the corrosive influence of far-right ideology.

The Brazilian government’s efforts were complicated by the Trump administration’s refusal to engage with formal channels. The isolation of Brazil’s ambassador in Washington and the cancellation of a scheduled meeting with Fernando Haddad are telling examples of this disconnect. A truce was eventually arranged through the mediation of informal actors, including billionaire Joesley Batista.

The appointment of Darren Beattie as senior adviser on Brazil policy marks a disturbing new chapter in this saga. As founder of Revolver News, Beattie promoted the “Fedsurrection” conspiracy theory, which would naturally appeal to Brazil’s election deniers and displease the elected president.

In Brazil, the implications are clear: democratic institutions are under threat from within and without. Flávio Bolsonaro’s presidential campaign on his father’s coattails has the Trump administration’s fingerprints all over it. Whether or not the United States will intervene directly in the Brazilian election is beside the point – the more pressing question is how far its influence will extend.

The consequences of this pattern of corruption facilitation will be far-reaching. The normalization of far-right ideology and erosion of democratic norms have created a perfect storm for authoritarianism to take root. It’s time for the international community to recognize the gravity of these developments and take action to prevent further encroachment on democratic institutions.

In Brazil, supporting President Lula da Silva’s efforts to strengthen democratic foundations and resist foreign interference is crucial. Internationally, promoting democratic values and countering authoritarianism in all its forms requires a renewed commitment. The stakes are high, but one thing is clear: the world cannot afford to stand idly by as MAGA’s global reach continues to facilitate corruption and undermine democracy.