Brazil’s Supreme Court placed former President Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest on Monday over an alleged coup plot, despite mounting pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has imposed tariffs and sanctions on Brazil.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes, recently sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury, issued the order, accusing Bolsonaro of violating restraining orders designed to prevent political interference, including Trump’s support. Bolsonaro faces charges of conspiring to overturn his 2022 electoral loss to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva through violent means.
The U.S. State Department condemned the move, accusing Moraes of abusing institutions to suppress opposition. Moraes also banned Bolsonaro from using a mobile phone or meeting visitors except his lawyers, with police enforcing the order at his Brasília residence. Bolsonaro’s lawyers vowed to appeal.
The case follows a two-year investigation into Bolsonaro’s role in post-election unrest that culminated in the January 2023 riots in Brasília, echoing the U.S. Capitol attack. Brazilian courts have moved swiftly, banning him from office until 2030, while Trump has denounced the trial as a “witch hunt” and threatened a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports.
Bolsonaro’s allies say Trump’s aggressive stance may backfire domestically, but recent mass protests show his far-right base remains mobilized. Analysts warn the arrest could trigger further U.S. retaliation, as it will be seen as a response to the sanctions on Moraes.
