Trump Urges Brazil to Halt 'Witch Hunt' Against Bolsonaro

In a striking political exchange, former President Trump has voiced his support for Brazil's ex-leader Bolsonaro amid accusations of coup attempts against current President Lula da Silva.

Former President Donald Trump has publicly urged Brazilian authorities to cease their prosecution of Jair Bolsonaro, who served as Brazil's president from 2019 to 2022. In a recent social media post, Trump described the legal actions against Bolsonaro as a "WITCH HUNT," asserting that the former leader is "not guilty of anything, except having fought for THE PEOPLE." Bolsonaro is currently facing trial for allegedly attempting a coup against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a claim he staunchly denies.

Trump's remarks reflect his concern for Bolsonaro’s legal battles, as he demanded on social media: "LEAVE BOLSONARO ALONE!" Responding to Trump, Lula reaffirmed Brazil's sovereignty, asserting that his country "won't accept interference" from foreign leaders. Lula emphasized that "No one is above the law," particularly those who threaten freedom and the rule of law.

In a related post on Truth Social, Trump praised Bolsonaro’s leadership and portrayed the ongoing prosecution as similar to the legal challenges he has faced during his political career. "This is nothing more, or less, than an attack on a Political Opponent - Something I know much about! It happened to me, times 10," he noted.

Bolsonaro, in turn, echoed Trump's sentiments, labeling the prosecution as "clear political persecution" and expressing gratitude for Trump's support in a social media update. The dialogue comes amidst ongoing tensions, as Brazil's Minister of Institutional Affairs, Gleisi Hoffmann, chastised Trump, stating, "The time when Brazil was subservient to the US was the time of Bolsonaro."

The exchange highlights the strained political dynamics between Brazil and the U.S., especially as President Lula is currently hosting representatives from nations at a Brics summit in Rio de Janeiro. Earlier, Trump had hinted at imposing additional tariffs on countries he perceives as aligning against U.S. interests through their affiliations with the Brics group.

In 2023, following Lula's inauguration, a violent uprising by Bolsonaro supporters attempted to seize control of government buildings in Brasília, prompting ongoing investigations. Bolsonaro was in the U.S. at that time and has repeatedly denied any connection to the disorder. Following claims of electoral fraud, he has been barred from running for office until 2030, but he maintains aspirations for a second presidential term in 2026. Facing the potential for decades in prison if convicted, Bolsonaro recently referred to any coup attempts as an "abominable thing."