Brazil becomes a major non-NATO ally; Marco Rubio responds

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Sen. Marco Rubio applauds Donald Trump’s designation of Brazil as a major non-NATO ally.

In January, Rubio penned an op-ed announcing, what he believes are the major advantages of building a better relationship with Brazil under the Jair Bolsonaro regime. 

Rubio described Bolsonaro as “ushering in a new era in Brazilian politics that marks a dramatic departure from the leftist, anti-American governments of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Dilma Rousseff”.

He highlighted the reasons he believes making allies of Brazil will offer peace and stability to the Western hemisphere, and called the two populated countries coming together a “historic opportunity”.

Last week, the Senator was pleased to learn that Trump’s administration formally agrees. 

That is to say, Trump, pursuant to section 517 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, designated the Federative Republic of Brazil a major non-NATO ally of the U.S. 

For Brazil that means they will become close allies with a strategic, working-relationship with U.S. Armed Forces.

The President of Brazil, Bolsonaro, is sometimes called “Trump of the Tropics”  by critics who liken him to the U.S. President because of his brash demeanor, demeaning commentary and propensity for praising dictators, among other similarities. 

According to BBC, “His comments deeply divided voters and, while some expressed a dislike for him, others felt he was the outsider needed to tackle rampant crime and rough up the establishment.”

In a statement about the designation of Brazil as a major ally, Rubio said:

“I welcome President Trump’s designation of Brazil as a major non-NATO ally this week. Under President Bolsonaro’s leadership, Brazil stands as an important security partner and has advanced our mutual goals of bolstering bilateral defense and intelligence ties. 

“As a major non-NATO ally to the United States, Brazil will gain benefits essential to providing security and stability in the Western Hemisphere.”

Sen. Rubio also sits on the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere as the group’s Chairman.