U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly condemned the recent conviction of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, calling it a “political witch hunt” and expressing deep concern over the proceedings. Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison for his role in attempting to overturn the results of Brazil’s 2022 presidential election, leading a criminal organization, and inciting violence during the January 8, 2023, riots in Brasília.
Trump, a close ally of Bolsonaro, described the conviction as “very surprising,” drawing parallels to legal challenges he has faced in the United States. He criticized the Brazilian judiciary, particularly Justice Alexandre de Moraes, accusing him of engaging in partisan judicial action and undermining democratic principles. Trump’s statement signals a direct challenge to the legitimacy of Brazil’s Supreme Court ruling and frames Bolsonaro’s prosecution as politically motivated.
The conviction has already affected U.S.-Brazil relations. Earlier in July 2025, in response to Bolsonaro’s legal challenges, the Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff on most Brazilian goods, though certain items such as orange juice, natural resources, and aircraft were later exempted. The U.S. Treasury Department also sanctioned Justice de Moraes, accusing him of suppressing civil liberties and authorizing arbitrary detentions, further escalating tensions between the two nations.
Bolsonaro’s son, Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, has warned that additional U.S. sanctions could be imposed against Brazilian officials involved in the conviction process. He suggested that justices who voted to convict his father may be targeted under the U.S. Magnitsky Act, a law designed to punish human rights abuses and corruption, highlighting the possibility of further diplomatic friction.
The case has ignited widespread debate about the independence of Brazil’s judiciary, the legitimacy of Bolsonaro’s prosecution, and the broader implications for democracy in Latin America. Analysts note that Trump’s reaction is consistent with his broader approach to global politics, often emphasizing personal alliances and ideological alignment over institutional norms.
Brazilian officials, however, have strongly condemned U.S. interference, asserting the independence of their judicial system and framing the conviction as an internal matter. The resulting diplomatic tension underscores the delicate balance between international relations, judicial sovereignty, and the influence of populist leaders on global politics.
Trump’s response to Bolsonaro’s sentencing is more than political commentary—it is a strategic move in international diplomacy. By framing the conviction as a “witch hunt,” Trump is mobilizing his base and signaling support for Bolsonaro’s allies, while simultaneously pressuring Brazil to reconsider its handling of the case.
As the situation unfolds, the world is watching closely. The conviction of Jair Bolsonaro, combined with Trump’s outspoken reaction, may redefine U.S.-Brazil relations and set a precedent for how international allies respond to judicial actions against high-profile political figures.
