Tariffs: US ambassador lashes out at ministers' criticism and warns that 'there will be no deal' if people who are not in negotiations speak up

La TerceraIndependent🔒Progressive3 hr. ago

The article reports on criticism from Chile's opposition against U.S. Ambassador Brandon Judd's remarks directed at Chilean ministers who opposed the U.S. decision to impose a 12.5% tariff on Chilean goods under the pretext of forced labor. Judd criticized the ministers for making comments unrelated to ongoing negotiations, using terms like 'farsa,' which he claimed made the situation more difficult. Opposition figures, including Socialist Party Vice President Arturo Barrios and PC Secretary General Bárbara Figueroa, called the remarks unacceptable and urged the Chilean government to respond by issuing a formal protest or statement. They emphasized that diplomats should not act as commentators on host countries' policies and argued that Chile should assert its sovereignty. Frente Amplio leader Andrés Couble and Congress member Gonzalo Winter echoed these sentiments, stressing that Chilean ministers speak on behalf of elected governments and that the U.S. should explain its actions under the existing Free Trade Agreement.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the criticism of U.S. Ambassador Judd's remarks as a defense of Chilean sovereignty and democratic processes, emphasizing the need for the Chilean government to take action against perceived foreign interference. The language used highlights concerns over U.S. influence and the 's

La TerceraIndependent🔒Conservative4 hr. ago

The U.S. Ambassador to Chile, Brandon Judd, strongly criticized Chilean ministers who publicly questioned the U.S. decision to impose a 12.5% tariff on Chilean goods, citing concerns over forced labor. Judd expressed disappointment that ministers not involved in ongoing negotiations were making comments using terms like 'fraud,' which he claims undermines trust in bilateral relations. Minister Jaime Campos accused the U.S. of acting arbitrarily and violating the Free Trade Agreement, while Defense Minister Fernando Barros directly criticized Judd, accusing him of imposing sanctions over issues related to forced labor. Judd warned that such public criticisms by non-negotiators would hinder efforts to exempt key Chilean exports like fresh fruit, salmon, wine, and timber from tariffs. He emphasized that these remarks make it difficult for U.S. negotiators to believe there is genuine progress. Chile’s Foreign Minister, Francisco Pérez Mackenna, attempted to calm tensions, stating that the goal remains reaching an agreement with the U.S.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the criticism of U.S. tariffs as unwarranted interference by Chilean ministers, implying they lack legitimacy in the negotiation process. The emphasis on the U.S. stance and the warning from Judd that such public comments hinder negotiations suggests a pro-U.S. perspective. The ph