The only economic rationale mentioned in Trump’s letter, that of a deficit that his country is said to face with Brazil, is belied by the numbers. The U.S. has sustained consistent surpluses in trade with the South American nation for close to two decades now.

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.

Of the more than two dozen tariff threat letters President Trump has recently sent, the one to Brazil stood out, not only for proposing the highest import tax, but also for its personal tone.