The US Embassy in Brazil published an ET‑inspired post urging Brazilians unlawfully residing in the US to return to their country of origin. The image was posted on the embassy’s social media accounts on July 23.
The post featured the famous alien on a bicycle with the moon as a background and the caption “Even ET knew when it was time to go home,” alongside an invitation to register with CBP One, a mobile app developed by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) aimed at people who want to voluntarily return to their country.
At the moment, it is not clear whether the post has had any effect. This is just the latest chapter in a relationship between the two countries that is at one of the lowest moments ever.
Indeed, US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 50% trade tariffs on Brazil starting August 1 as part of an escalating spat between Washington and Brasilia. In response, the Brazilian president, Lula da Silva, warned that any new tariffs would be met with reciprocal measures. Compounding the matter is Trump's support of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, who is presently on trial, accused of plotting a coup to stop Lula from taking office in 2023.
With no end in sight to the quarrel and the August deadline approaching, what are the issues at play here, and how much is at stake?
Click through the gallery for a better understanding of the reasons behind this very public trade war.