Former US President Donald Trump has publicly requested an end to the Brazilian authorities' prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, branding the actions a "witch hunt." Bolsonaro, who ruled Brazil from 2019 to 2022, stands accused of trying to initiate a coup against current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro maintains his innocence regarding the charges.
Trump Urges Brazil to Halt Prosecution of Jair Bolsonaro
Trump Urges Brazil to Halt Prosecution of Jair Bolsonaro
Trump labels Brazilian government's actions against its former president as a 'witch hunt,' calling for an end to the prosecution amidst allegations of coup attempts.
In a post on social media, Trump claimed that Bolsonaro had committed no wrongdoing, asserting he was simply acting in the interest of the people, and urged for them to "leave Bolsonaro alone." Current President Lula asserted Brazil's sovereignty, outlining that no individual was above the law and rejecting any foreign interference.
Trump further described Bolsonaro as a "strong leader" and likened the situation to his own legal challenges, stating that the prosecution is politically motivated. Bolsonaro echoed Trump's sentiments, declaring he is a victim of political persecution.
Brazil's Minister of Institutional Affairs, Gleisi Hoffmann, responded by calling out Trump for his perceived interference in Brazilian affairs and urged him to focus on his domestic issues. The exchange comes during a time when Lula is actively engaging with representatives from other nations at a Brics summit in Rio de Janeiro.
Previously, Bolsonaro supporters stormed government buildings in Brasilia shortly after Lula took office, leading federal investigators to label it an attempted coup, with Bolsonaro abroad at the time. Bolsonaro has faced a ban from public office until 2030 due to unfounded claims about the electoral process, although he aims to contest this decision and run again in 2026.
As the legal proceedings against Bolsonaro unfold, he faces the possibility of severe prison time if convicted, with recent statements emphasizing his condemnation of any coup attempts. Meanwhile, Trump continues to threaten additional tariffs on nations perceived as opposing American interests, stirring further tension in international relations.
Trump further described Bolsonaro as a "strong leader" and likened the situation to his own legal challenges, stating that the prosecution is politically motivated. Bolsonaro echoed Trump's sentiments, declaring he is a victim of political persecution.
Brazil's Minister of Institutional Affairs, Gleisi Hoffmann, responded by calling out Trump for his perceived interference in Brazilian affairs and urged him to focus on his domestic issues. The exchange comes during a time when Lula is actively engaging with representatives from other nations at a Brics summit in Rio de Janeiro.
Previously, Bolsonaro supporters stormed government buildings in Brasilia shortly after Lula took office, leading federal investigators to label it an attempted coup, with Bolsonaro abroad at the time. Bolsonaro has faced a ban from public office until 2030 due to unfounded claims about the electoral process, although he aims to contest this decision and run again in 2026.
As the legal proceedings against Bolsonaro unfold, he faces the possibility of severe prison time if convicted, with recent statements emphasizing his condemnation of any coup attempts. Meanwhile, Trump continues to threaten additional tariffs on nations perceived as opposing American interests, stirring further tension in international relations.
