The United States has begun investigating Brazil’s trade practices and “anti-corruption interference,” after the president’s criticisms of Brazil’s treatment of Jair Bolsonaro, a Trump ally.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Monday, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett was asked about President Trump's tariffs on Brazil.

In an interview with ABC News, Kevin Hassett was also pressed about the president's decision to hit imports from Brazil with steep tariffs.

There is no economic reason for Trump to impose tariffs on Brazil. It's one corrupt dictator protecting another, period.

Kevin Hassett appeared to deflect questions on how the new tariff will benefit America despite the U.S. having a trade surplus with the South American country.

Trump’s anger over Bolsonaro case leaves top adviser fumbling to justify ‘punishing’ tariffs on Brazil: ‘So, what is it?’ - President fired off letters to world leaders imposing new tariffs from Augus

His comments follow President Donald Trump’s intensified criticism of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, accusing him of undermining the US economy with high interest rates, while simultaneously unveiling sweeping new tariffs targeting Canada, the European Union, Mexico, and Brazil.

Kevin Hassett, a top economic adviser for the White House, is downplaying reports of better-than-expected trade data from China. Customs data from China on Monday claimed that the country exported more goods than anticipated,