A big boost for Brazil

Push to be a NATO ally

President Trump — a harsh NATO critic since before his days on the campaign trail — floated the idea Tuesday that Brazil could join the alliance as he met with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

“As I told President Bolsonaro, I intend to designate Brazil as a major non-NATO ally or even possibly, if you start thinking about it, maybe a NATO ally,” Trump said at the White House.

“I have to talk to a lot of people, but maybe a NATO ally, which will greatly advance security and cooperation between our countries.”

Trump has repeatedly slammed NATO for supposedly not paying its fair share for members’ defense.

Brazil, the largest and most populous nation in Latin America, has wanted to become a NATO “major non-member ally” to make buying US weapons easier and to lower barriers to military and other cooperation.

Trump repeatedly touted his relationship with the new Brazilian leader, who has been dubbed “the Trump of the Tropics.”

"I think there was a lot of hostility with other presidents,” Trump said, referring to his predecessors. “There’s zero hostility with me.”

Recent presidents have named a number of US allies as major nonmember NATO allies, including Australia, Egypt and Argentina.

Colombia also is aligned with NATO as a “global partner,” which means it will not necessarily have to take part in military action but will be fully accredited.

At a press conference, Trump was asked if he wants Brazil “involved in a military action” in Venezuela.

“If I can speak for both countries, all options are on the table. Every option is on the table with respect to Venezuela,” Trump said.

Bolsonaro agreed, saying: “We need to put an end to this issue.”