By Nandita Bose, Bernardo Caram and Gabriel AraujoWASHINGTON/BRASILIA/SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Brazil's government on Friday downplayed the impact of the 50% tariff U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose on imports from that country,

Brazil’s President forcefully rebuked Trump after the U.S. leader called the prosecution of Lula’s predecessor, Bolsonaro, a “witch hunt” and hiked tariffs on the Latin American nation.

Lula condemned Trump’s remarks and questioned the legitimacy of his defense, particularly as Bolsonaro faces trial for plotting to prevent Lula’s presidency in 2023. Despite Trump's stance, Brazil's government downplayed the tariff’s impact,