The article discusses Trump's support for Bolsonaro amid ongoing legal issues, emphasizing the political tensions between Brazil and the United States.
Trump Urges Brazil to Halt 'Witch Hunt' Against Bolsonaro
Trump Urges Brazil to Halt 'Witch Hunt' Against Bolsonaro
In a recent social media post, former President Donald Trump called on Brazilian authorities to cease the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, claiming it to be a politically motivated "WITCH HUNT."
Former President Donald Trump has publicly urged Brazilian officials to put an end to the prosecution of Jair Bolsonaro, branding it a “WITCH HUNT.” Bolsonaro, who served as Brazil’s president from 2019 to 2022, is currently facing trial for allegedly attempting to orchestrate a coup against his successor, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro denies all allegations related to any conspiracy.
Through a post on Truth Social, Trump defended Bolsonaro, asserting the former leader is “not guilty of anything, except having fought for THE PEOPLE.” He demanded that the prosecutors “LEAVE BOLSONARO ALONE!” In response, President Lula reaffirmed Brazil’s sovereignty, stating, “No one is above the law,” and urged Trump to refrain from meddling in Brazil's judicial matters.
The discourse highlights the strained relations post-Bolsonaro and Lula's ascendancy, especially as Lula convenes international representatives from allied countries at a BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro. Trump previously threatened to impose tariffs on nations he views as “anti-American” for aligning with BRICS.
Trump and Bolsonaro's camaraderie peaked during their overlapping presidencies, yet both political figures have faced challenges in acknowledging electoral defeat. After Lula's inauguration, thousands of Bolsonaro supporters stormed Brazilian government sites in an act deemed an attempted coup, while Bolsonaro was in the United States and has consistently denied involvement.
Bolsonaro is currently barred from holding public office until 2030 due to statements he made regarding electoral fraud, though he aims to challenge this ban in order to run for president again in 2026. In a recent court appearance, he vehemently rejected the idea of a coup, labeling it an “abominable thing.” The stakes are high for Bolsonaro, who could face significant prison time if found guilty.
