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

President Donald Trump singled out Brazil for import taxes of 50% on Wednesday for its treatment of its former president, Jair Bolsonaro, showing that personal grudges rather than simple economics are a driving force in the U.

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.

Brazil said Wednesday it had summoned the US charge d'affaires in a diplomatic row following President Donald Trump's criticism of the coup trial of his right-wing ally, ex-leader Jair Bolsonaro.The foreign ministry in Brasilia told AFP that envoy Gabriel Escobar will be called to explain an embassy statement describing Bolsonaro as a victim of "political persecution" -- echoing Trump's claims of a "witch hunt" against the 70-year-old Brazilian firebrand.

President Donald Trump announced a blanket 50% tariff on imports from Brazil, citing his anger over the country's treatment of its former president, Jair Bolsonaro. Trump's tariffs would be imposed using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act,

President Donald Trump on Wednesday levied a 50% tariff against Brazil, which produces more than a third of the world's coffee, citing, in part, the country's treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro,

Brazil’s Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva told Donald Trump to mind his own business after the US leader rushed to the defense of embattled former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is facing charges that he attempted a coup.