Trump, writing on his Truth Social platform, warned Brazilian authorities to “LEAVE BOLSONARO ALONE,” accusing them of persecuting the former leader, who faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted of leading a failed coup attempt after his 2022 election defeat.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva rejected Trump’s remarks, calling them “interference” and asserting that “no one is above the law.”
Bolsonaro, 70, is accused of organizing a “criminal organization” to overturn the election results. Prosecutors say the coup plot collapsed due to a lack of military backing. The trial has drawn comparisons to Trump’s own legal battles over the January 6 Capitol riot, a case later abandoned after his return to office.
Trump’s public defense of Bolsonaro follows months of lobbying by the Brazilian politician’s allies, including his son Eduardo, who celebrated the U.S. president’s intervention.
“Jair Bolsonaro was a strong leader who truly loved his country,” Trump said. “It happened to me, times 10. They never stop.”
Bolsonaro is currently barred from running in Brazil’s next election over his role in spreading false information about the country’s electoral system. Nevertheless, Trump suggested the former president remains the “favorite.”
The comments come as Brazil hosts a BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, attended by leaders from Russia, China, Iran, and other nations. The summit has been critical of U.S. trade policy and military actions, drawing a warning from Trump of additional 10% tariffs on BRICS-aligned nations.
Lula responded by stating that BRICS members “do not want an emperor,” further underscoring the diplomatic rift.
