Trump increases pressure on Brazil in support of Bolsonaro

Thursday 31 July 2025 - 09:00

The U.S. government escalated its pressure on Brazil on Wednesday, announcing new sanctions against Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes while reaffirming plans to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports. The measures, widely seen as support for former President Jair Bolsonaro, further deepen tensions between the two countries.

The U.S. Treasury Department accused Justice de Moraes of "arbitrary detentions" and undermining "freedom of expression." According to the U.S., de Moraes has used his judicial position to target political opponents, including Bolsonaro, as well as journalists and U.S.-based tech companies.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing a 50% tariff on Brazilian products, with certain exceptions like aircraft, orange juice, Brazil nuts, and selected steel and aluminum goods. The order cited Brazil as posing an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to U.S. national security, economic interests, and foreign policy.

In response, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva defended his nation’s sovereignty, stating during an official event in Brasília that this is a "sacred day for sovereignty" and that Brazil would resist “measures announced by the president of the United States.”

Human Rights Watch’s Americas Director, Juanita Goebertus, condemned the sanctions, calling them a "flagrant violation of judicial independence."

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent justified the measures by claiming that “Alexandre de Moraes orchestrated an illegal witch hunt against American and Brazilian citizens.” The sanctions freeze all of de Moraes’ U.S.-based assets and ban American entities from engaging with him. These add to State Department sanctions issued on July 18 that bar all Brazilian Supreme Court justices and their close relatives from entering the U.S.

Former president Bolsonaro’s son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, expressed gratitude to the U.S. and encouraged “other leaders of the free world” to follow Washington’s lead. Jair Bolsonaro faces multiple legal cases in Brazil, including charges related to an attempted coup following his 2022 election loss. If convicted, he could face over 40 years in prison.

Meanwhile, the Brazilian Supreme Court continues to take a hardline stance on misinformation, with Justice de Moraes ordering blocks on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Rumble when they failed to comply with court orders to remove false content.