Brasilia — Brazil’s Supreme Court placed former President Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest on Sunday, citing repeated violations of judicial restrictions related to an alleged coup attempt. The decision has sparked a diplomatic backlash from former US President Donald Trump, who responded by slapping steep tariffs on Brazilian exports and accusing Brazilian authorities of political persecution.
The arrest order was issued by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who has overseen multiple investigations into Bolsonaro and his allies. Bolsonaro is accused of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election, which he lost to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The former president had already been under strict restrictions, including an ankle monitor and a gag order.
According to court documents, Bolsonaro violated these restrictions by communicating with the public through social media accounts operated by his sons and political allies. Brazilian federal police seized several mobile phones and found evidence of repeated indirect messaging. As a result, Bolsonaro is now barred from using communication devices and receiving any visitors apart from his legal team.
Supporters of Bolsonaro gathered outside his residence in Brasilia, waving Brazilian and US flags while condemning the Supreme Court’s decision. Meanwhile, Trump’s condemnation came swiftly. In a televised address, he denounced the arrest as a “judicial coup” and declared it “a disgrace to freedom and democracy.” Hours later, he announced a 50% tariff on selected Brazilian exports, claiming it was in response to the persecution of “a fellow patriot.”
Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a sharp rebuttal, describing Trump’s move as “unjustified economic aggression” and warning that the tariffs may violate international trade agreements. Brazil has begun consultations to challenge the sanctions at the World Trade Organization (WTO).
President Lula, speaking at an infrastructure event in São Paulo, said, “No nation, regardless of its size or military power, has the right to interfere in Brazil’s judicial process. We are a sovereign democracy, and the law will apply to all.”
Legal experts believe Bolsonaro’s legal troubles are far from over. He faces multiple charges related to incitement, abuse of power, and anti-democratic conduct. The house arrest, they say, could be a prelude to a formal indictment and trial.
Observers warn that Trump’s reaction, while aimed at rallying his domestic and international base, may backfire. In Brazil, his interference has drawn bipartisan criticism, with many across the political spectrum warning against allowing foreign leaders to influence the country’s judiciary.
The diplomatic clash comes amid shifting global alignments. Brazil, a leading member of BRICS, has strengthened ties with Russia, China, and Iran, often clashing with Western narratives. The tariff war initiated by Trump could further push Brazil to consolidate alliances with the Global South.
According to Reuters, Bolsonaro’s house arrest was ordered after investigators confirmed he had violated a ban on public engagement by using intermediary social media channels. The Supreme Court responded by expanding his restrictions to full house arrest, citing obstruction of justice.
BBC also noted that Bolsonaro’s legal team rejected the accusations and vowed to appeal the ruling, calling the arrest politically motivated. The broadcaster highlighted growing friction between the US and Brazil, triggered by Trump’s sweeping trade sanctions and inflammatory rhetoric.
