Former President Donald Trump has urged an immediate halt to the trial of ex-Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
This comes as Brazilian leaders are under investigation, with Trump alleging they are trying to undermine Bolsonaro following his electoral defeat in 2022.
Earlier this week, Bolsonaro’s son, Eduardo, met at the White House and later shared a video discussing a decision about potential sanctions against Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes.
In a letter to Bolsonaro, Trump expressed sympathy for the treatment the former president is facing, describing it as unjust and exclaiming, “This should be over soon!”
Trump also shared his concerns about the current government’s attacks on free speech in both Brazil and the U.S.
Recently, Trump threatened Brazil with a 50% tariff on its products, citing an ongoing lawsuit involving Bolsonaro.
A report submitted to Brazilian prosecutor Paulo Gonette last November detailed a conspiracy by Bolsonaro and 33 associates to cling to power following their electoral loss to current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
This scheme reportedly involved undermining public confidence in the electoral process, drafting laws to legitimize their actions, and inciting violence in the capital.
In March, Brazil’s Supreme Court Judiciary Committee accepted charges against Bolsonaro, including plots to poison his successor and to harm a Supreme Court judge.
Under Brazilian law, those convicted of a coup can face up to 12 years in prison, and with additional charges, sentences can extend significantly.
In his letter, Trump expressed a “honest hope” that the Brazilian government would redirect its efforts, stop targeting political rivals, and put an end to censorship.
“I watch a lot,” Trump added, which perhaps reflects a sense of urgency in the situation.
On his end, Bolsonaro refuted the fraud claims, confidently stating to reporters that he has “zero” concerns about the accusations.
The Washington Post reported that the U.S. is considering sanctions against Judge Moraes, who is overseeing the case against Bolsonaro, under the Magnitsky Act, which allows the U.S. to sanction foreign officials linked to corruption.
In addition, Trump has promised a response after suggesting hefty tariffs on goods from Brazil in retaliation for Lula’s actions.
Lula responded to the tariff discussions by saying, “Without negotiations, the reciprocal laws work. If he charges 50% tariffs from us, we charge 50% from them.”
