July 31, 2020 

The Honorable Todd C. Chapman 

U.S. Ambassador to Brazil 

St. de Embaixadas Sul 801 – Asa Sul 

Brasilia – DF, 70297-400, Brazil 

Dear Ambassador Chapman: 

 We are extremely alarmed by a report in Brazilian newspaper O Globo yesterday which 

stated that while lobbying your counterparts on reducing ethanol tariffs, you raised “the 

importance for the Bolsonaro government of maintaining Donald Trump as U.S. President.” The 

article further stated, “Iowa is the largest ethanol producer in the United States...and could be a 

key player in Trump’s election. Hence the importance – according to Chapman – for the 

Bolsonaro government to do the U.S. a favor.” 

These statements are completely inappropriate for a U.S. ambassador to make, and if 

true, would be a potential violation of the Hatch Act of 1939. We ask that you respond in writing 

by 5:00 p.m. EST on August 4th as to whether the allegations in the aforementioned article 

(attached to this correspondence) are true. Specifically, please provide us with a complete 

description of all conversations that you have had with Brazilian government officials in the 

executive and legislative branches with regard to ethanol tariffs and the U.S. presidential 

election. If you deny these allegations, please provide complete and unredacted copies of any 

and all documents referring or related to any discussions you have had with Brazilian 

government officials in the executive and legislative branches with regard to ethanol tariffs, to 

reassure Congress and the American people that our Ambassador to Brazil is truly representing 

the interests of the United States and not the narrow, political interests of President Trump. 

 Elections in the United States are for the American people and the American people only 

to decide. Earlier this week, Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro – the son of President Bolsonaro – 

tweeted a video supporting the re-election of President Trump. In response, you defended 

Congressman Bolsonaro’s right to speak freely. We found your response extremely 

ELIOT L. ENGEL, NEW YORK

CHAIRMAN

JASON STEINBAUM 

STAFF DIRECTOR

One Hundred Sixteenth Congress 

U.S. House of Representatives 

Committee on Foreign Affairs 

2170 Rayburn House Office Building 

Washington, DC 20515 

www.foreignaffairs.house.gov

MICHAEL T. MCCAUL, TEXAS

RANKING REPUBLICAN MEMBER

BRENDAN P. SHIELDS

REPUBLICAN STAFF DIRECTOR
The Honorable Todd C. Chapman 

July 31, 2020 

Page Two 

disappointing. While Mr. Bolsonaro has the right to speak freely, it is simply not appropriate for 

sitting foreign government officials – in any branch of government – to promote the campaigns 

of candidates in the United States. After everything that occurred in the U.S. presidential election 

in 2016, we frankly believe that you should know better. 

Finally, it is important to note that the purpose of this correspondence is not to take a 

position on ethanol tariffs – an issue which is worthy of a meaningful conversation in both of our 

countries. This is about something much bigger. Given the events of 2016, it is all the more 

important for U.S. ambassadors serving our country abroad to not insert themselves into U.S. 

elections or encourage foreign government officials from any branch of government to do so. 

 Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to your response. 

 Sincerely, 

 

ELIOT L. ENGEL ALBIO SIRES 

Chairman Chairman 

House Subcommittee on the Western 

Hemisphere, Civilian Security, and Trade