US-Brazil Meeting Canceled After Far-Right Interference

A high-stakes virtual meeting between Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was canceled abruptly, with emails revealing the decision came just hours after far-right congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro gave an inflammatory interview. Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, promised to radicalize his actions in the US, citing his father’s house arrest as a grievance. Haddad later suggested the cancellation was orchestrated by far-right factions, though he avoided naming specifics.

The email exchanges, obtained by journalists, show Haddad’s team initially scheduling the meeting for Thursday, only for Bessent’s aides to later cite scheduling conflicts. After rescheduling for Wednesday, Bessent’s team suddenly went silent. The cancellation coincided with Bolsonaro’s interview, where he claimed to be lobbying US authorities against Brazil’s judiciary. Analysts speculate hardliners in Trump’s administration, including Bessent’s ideologically aligned staff, may have pressured him to scrap the talks.

Brazilian officials believe Bessent, seen as a pragmatic figure, was open to negotiations but faced internal opposition. The incident highlights how far-right elements in both countries are disrupting diplomatic channels, with Bolsonaro’s rhetoric exacerbating tensions. The Lula administration views this as part of a broader pattern where ideological allies of Trump block economic discussions, despite mutual trade interests.

BrazilUSADiplomacyFernando HaddadScott BessentEduardo BolsonaroFar-RightTradeCancellationPolitics