Trump urges Brazil to halt Bolsonaro’s trial, condemns political prosecution and warns of U.S. sanctions and tariffs.

Trump Urges Brazil to Drop Charges Against Former President

President Donald Trump has called for the immediate termination of legal proceedings against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, labeling the trial as “unjust” and politically motivated. The public statement came in the form of a letter sent directly to Bolsonaro and posted by Trump on Truth Social Thursday evening.

Bolsonaro, who lost the 2022 presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, faces charges stemming from allegations he led an attempted coup to remain in power. The investigation, supported by a detailed report from Brazil’s Federal Police, alleges a broad scheme involving Bolsonaro and dozens of associates. Authorities claim the plot included efforts to undermine public trust in the electoral process, the drafting of decrees to lend legitimacy to the plan, pressuring military leaders to comply, and inciting riots in the capital.

The case has advanced rapidly, with Brazil’s Supreme Court accepting charges in March. All five justices on the review panel agreed that Bolsonaro should stand trial for actions ranging from coup plotting to more serious accusations, such as alleged plans to harm his successor and even to kill a Supreme Court judge. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face sentences totaling several decades in prison.

In his letter, Trump asserted, “I have seen the terrible treatment you are receiving at the hands of an unjust system turned against you. This should end immediately!” He continued by expressing solidarity with Bolsonaro’s political philosophy, adding, “I share your commitment to listening to the voice of the people and I am very concerned about the attacks on free speech – both in Brazil and in the United States – coming out of the current government.”

Sanctions, Tariffs, and Diplomatic Tensions

The dispute has escalated beyond Brazil’s borders. Trump has recently threatened to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports if the trial proceeds, citing concerns about the political nature of the case. Additionally, there are reports that the U.S. is considering sanctions against Alexandre de Moraes, the Brazilian Supreme Federal Court justice overseeing Bolsonaro’s prosecution, under the Magnitsky Act, which targets foreign nationals accused of corruption.

In response, current Brazilian President Lula signaled he would retaliate against any U.S. tariffs, stating, “If there’s no negotiation, the reciprocity law will be put to work. If he charges 50 (% tariffs) from us, we will charge 50 from them. Respect is good. I like to offer mine, and I like to receive it.”

Trump’s criticism has also included broader warnings against censorship and the suppression of political opposition. “It is my sincere hope that the government in Brazil changes course, stops attacking political opponents, and ends their ridiculous censorship regime. I will be watching closely,” Trump declared in his letter.

For his part, Bolsonaro has denied any wrongdoing, telling reporters he has “no concerns about the accusations, zero.”

The trial and the political fallout highlight deepening tensions between the U.S. and Brazil as both countries grapple with questions about democracy, judicial independence, and the boundaries of executive power. The international community is watching closely as the case proceeds, with the outcome likely to shape U.S.-Brazil relations for years to come.