Supporters of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva have condemned former U.S. President Donald Trump's sanctions against Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, calling them an assault on Brazil's democracy. The U.S. Treasury imposed the sanctions shortly before Trump signed an executive order imposing steep tariffs on Brazilian imports, citing disagreements with Brazil's policies.
Trump has linked the tariffs to his displeasure over legal actions against his ally, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who faces multiple criminal charges, including an alleged attempt to overturn the 2022 election results. De Moraes is overseeing Bolsonaro's trial, which could lead to a lengthy prison sentence.
In announcing the sanctions, Treasury officials accused De Moraes of suppressing free expression, making politically motivated arrests, and conducting unfair prosecutions, including against Bolsonaro. "He has acted as both judge and jury in an unjust campaign," they claimed.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that those who violate citizens' rights should not expect immunity, regardless of their position. Meanwhile, the White House stated that the new tariffs were a response to what it called Brazil's politically driven legal actions against Bolsonaro and his followers.
Hundreds of Bolsonaro's supporters have been prosecuted for their involvement in the violent protests that targeted government buildings in Brasília in January 2023. Bolsonaro's family and allies welcomed the U.S. sanctions, viewing them as crucial to shielding the former president from legal consequences and preserving his political career.
Eduardo Bolsonaro, a lawmaker and the former president’s son, expressed gratitude toward Trump and Rubio during his visit to the U.S., where he sought support for his father. "Today marks progress, but our fight continues," he said.
Lula's administration, however, rejected the sanctions, calling them an inappropriate overreach into Brazil's sovereignty and justice system.
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