Brazilian President Bolsonaro is subjected to home confinement amidst a coup trial; the US expresses criticism over the decision
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is currently under house arrest, awaiting trial for allegations of plotting a coup to overturn his loss in the 2022 election against President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The arrest order was issued by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes on August 5, 2025, following Bolsonaro's non-compliance with judicial restraining orders imposed on him last month.
Bolsonaro is accused of leading a criminal organization that plotted to overturn the election results, including plans to kill President Lula and Justice Moraes. The case involves Bolsonaro's supporters storming government buildings on January 8, 2023, in an alleged attempted coup.
The house arrest restricts Bolsonaro to Brasilia, preventing travel, and allowing visits only from family and lawyers. He was initially ordered to wear an ankle monitor and had curfew restrictions before the house arrest. His cell phones were confiscated as part of the arrest.
Bolsonaro has denied the accusations and received public support from some segments. Tens of thousands have rallied for his pardon in major cities recently.
The situation has international implications, with U.S. former President Donald Trump condemning the charges as a "witch hunt" and threatening tariffs on Brazil in response. Trump recently imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, citing Bolsonaro's trial as an economic threat.
The U.S. Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs criticized the additional restrictions placed on Bolsonaro's ability to defend himself in public. The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs called Justice Alexandre de Moraes a "U.S.-sanctioned human rights abuser". However, the State Department did not respond to a request for comment on Bolsonaro's house arrest.
Trump shared a letter he had sent to Bolsonaro, expressing his concern about the treatment Bolsonaro is receiving and urging the trial to end immediately. The U.S. Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs also urged to let Bolsonaro speak.
The Brazilian federal police complied with the Supreme Court's orders for house arrest and to seize cell phones. The arrest of Bolsonaro follows allegations of courted interference from U.S. President Donald Trump. The U.S. Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs accused Justice Moraes of using Brazil's institutions to silence opposition and threaten democracy. The U.S. imposed sanctions on Justice Alexandre de Moraes last month, accusing him of authorizing arbitrary pre-trial detentions and suppressing freedom of expression.
In an interview with Reuters last month, Bolsonaro called Justice Moraes a "dictator" and described the restrictive measures against him as acts of "cowardice".
Bolsonaro's trial is a significant event in Brazilian politics, with implications for the country's democratic order and international relations. The outcome of the trial will likely shape the political landscape in Brazil for years to come.
- Former President Jair Bolsonaro, currently under house arrest in Brasilia, is awaiting a trial for his alleged involvement in a coup plot against the 2022 election results and other criminal activities.
- The U.S. Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs has criticized the additional restrictions placed on Bolsonaro's ability to defend himself publicly during his house arrest.
- U.S. former President Donald Trump, who recently imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, has expressed concern about Bolsonaro's treatment and urged the trial to end immediately in a letter to Bolsonaro.
- The Brazilian federal police complied with the Supreme Court's orders to seize Bolsonaro's cell phones and enforce his house arrest, following allegations of courted interference from U.S. President Donald Trump.
- The outcome of Bolsonaro's trial promises significant impacts on Brazil's democratic order and international relations, shaping the country's political landscape for the foreseeable future.
