Donald Trump has taken to social media to defend former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, urging Brazil to cease its prosecution of him.
Trump Supports Bolsonaro, Calls for End to 'Witch Hunt'
Trump Supports Bolsonaro, Calls for End to 'Witch Hunt'
Former US President criticizes Brazil's prosecution of Jair Bolsonaro amid coup allegations
In a recent post, former US President Donald Trump called for Brazilian authorities to halt their prosecution of ex-President Jair Bolsonaro, labeling the actions as a "witch hunt." Bolsonaro, who led Brazil from 2019 to 2022, is currently facing legal challenges for allegedly attempting to orchestrate a coup against incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Despite the serious allegations, Bolsonaro has consistently denied any wrongdoing linked to the supposed plot.
In his statement, Trump voiced his support for Bolsonaro, insisting that he is "not guilty of anything, except having fought for THE PEOPLE," and urged prosecutors to "LEAVE BOLSONARO ALONE!" Bolsonaro reciprocated Trump's sentiments on his social media, describing his legal troubles as blatant political persecution.
Countering Trump's comments, President Lula responded firmly, asserting Brazil's sovereignty by stating, "No one is above the law," emphasizing the independence of the country's judiciary. Brazil’s Minister of Institutional Affairs, Gleisi Hoffmann, echoed this sentiment and expressed disapproval of Trump’s interference, reminding him that Brazil's past with subservience to the US is over.
This exchange comes amidst growing tensions as President Lula hosts representatives from global powers like China and Russia at a BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, while Trump threatens to impose tariffs on nations adopting what he considers "anti-American" policies. In their presidencies, Trump and Bolsonaro had a notably amiable relationship, exchanging gifts during a meeting in the White House back in 2019.
After Lula's inauguration in January 2023, a significant incident occurred with thousands of Bolsonaro supporters storming government buildings in Brasilia. Bolsonaro was in the US during this upheaval and has continuously distanced himself from the rioters. Currently barred from holding public office until 2030 for falsely claiming fraud in Brazil’s voting system, Bolsonaro aims to challenge this ban and considers running for a second term in 2026.
As Bolsonaro faces serious accusations and potential decades in prison if convicted, he previously condemned the notion of a coup as "abominable" during a court appearance last month, further maintaining his innocence regarding any allegations of coup involvement. The political standoff continues to unfold with increasing complexity and international interest.
In his statement, Trump voiced his support for Bolsonaro, insisting that he is "not guilty of anything, except having fought for THE PEOPLE," and urged prosecutors to "LEAVE BOLSONARO ALONE!" Bolsonaro reciprocated Trump's sentiments on his social media, describing his legal troubles as blatant political persecution.
Countering Trump's comments, President Lula responded firmly, asserting Brazil's sovereignty by stating, "No one is above the law," emphasizing the independence of the country's judiciary. Brazil’s Minister of Institutional Affairs, Gleisi Hoffmann, echoed this sentiment and expressed disapproval of Trump’s interference, reminding him that Brazil's past with subservience to the US is over.
This exchange comes amidst growing tensions as President Lula hosts representatives from global powers like China and Russia at a BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, while Trump threatens to impose tariffs on nations adopting what he considers "anti-American" policies. In their presidencies, Trump and Bolsonaro had a notably amiable relationship, exchanging gifts during a meeting in the White House back in 2019.
After Lula's inauguration in January 2023, a significant incident occurred with thousands of Bolsonaro supporters storming government buildings in Brasilia. Bolsonaro was in the US during this upheaval and has continuously distanced himself from the rioters. Currently barred from holding public office until 2030 for falsely claiming fraud in Brazil’s voting system, Bolsonaro aims to challenge this ban and considers running for a second term in 2026.
As Bolsonaro faces serious accusations and potential decades in prison if convicted, he previously condemned the notion of a coup as "abominable" during a court appearance last month, further maintaining his innocence regarding any allegations of coup involvement. The political standoff continues to unfold with increasing complexity and international interest.
