Bolsonaro Targeted by Brazilian Supreme Court, Accused of Seeking Trump's Help

In Brasilia, Brazil's Supreme Court took action against former President Jair Bolsonaro on Friday, July 18th. The court issued search warrants and imposed restrictions, alleging that Bolsonaro sought assistance from former US President Donald Trump to interfere with Brazil's judicial processes.

Federal police conducted a raid on Bolsonaro's residence and placed him under electronic monitoring with an ankle bracelet. The court order, authorized by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, also prohibited Bolsonaro from communicating with foreign officials, using social media, or visiting embassies. The court cited a "concrete possibility" of Bolsonaro attempting to leave the country.

These measures were implemented following reports that Bolsonaro had sought international support, including from Trump, during his ongoing trial. The trial concerns accusations that Bolsonaro plotted a coup to prevent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from assuming office in 2023.

Bolsonaro expressed his dismay in an interview at his party headquarters. He described the court orders as acts of "cowardice" and labeled Justice Moraes a "dictator." He also stated that he would meet with Trump if authorities returned his passport, which was confiscated last year. Furthermore, he mentioned that he had engaged with the top US diplomat in Brazil to discuss Trump's recent tariff threat.

Earlier in the week, Trump announced a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian goods, effective August 1st. Trump claimed Bolsonaro was being subjected to a "witch hunt" by an "unjust system." Trump also shared a letter he sent to Bolsonaro on his social media platform, expressing his support and calling for the trial to end immediately.