Can Brazil jail Bolsonaro and challenge Trump's influence?
Brazil and the United States are currently navigating a complex web of trade tensions and political disputes, with the trial of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and the imposition of tariffs by former U.S. President Donald Trump taking centre stage.
In a significant development, the trial against Bolsonaro for an alleged coup attempt is currently in its final phase. The Supreme Federal Court (STF) is set to reach a decision in September 2025 on whether to convict or acquit Bolsonaro and other defendants, including former ministers and military officers linked to the far-right former administration. The defendants are accused of attempting to violently abolish Brazil's democratic order following Bolsonaro's 2022 election defeat.
Bolsonaro, who is currently under house arrest as ordered by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, has requested a meeting with Trump to discuss the tariffs imposed on Brazil. However, Trump has referred to Bolsonaro's prosecution as a "witch hunt."
The tariffs, amounting to 50% on Brazilian imports, were imposed by Trump, an ally of Bolsonaro, and are partly related to political tensions linked to Bolsonaro's situation. Trump has publicly criticized Bolsonaro’s trial and attempted to use economic pressure to influence Brazil's handling of the trial.
Brazil, under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has firmly stated that no external force can interfere in its judicial affairs. Despite the tariffs and political pressure, the Brazilian Supreme Court justice responsible for Bolsonaro's case has remained unmoved. However, the tariffs have opened discussions on broader issues, especially on Brazil's regulation of Big Tech companies. The U.S. grievance centers on Brazil's strict rules for social media platforms, which Washington argues censor conservative voices and harm U.S. tech firms.
In response to tariff pressures, Brazil's Vice President Geraldo Alckmin has indicated a willingness to engage in talks regarding these tech regulations to potentially resolve the dispute. The Brazilian government has also accused the United States of using tariffs as a political tool against Brazil, arguing that the tariffs are harming Brazil's economy and trade relations with the United States.
President Lula of Brazil has criticized the tariffs imposed by Trump as a breach of national sovereignty. He has called for a diplomatic solution to resolve the dispute over the tariffs, expressing support for Bolsonaro's call to remove the tariffs imposed by Trump. The Brazilian government has also stated that it will take legal action against the tariffs.
This complex interplay shows how Bolsonaro's legal troubles have become entangled with Brazil-US trade and political dynamics, particularly concerning national sovereignty and economic sanctions. The situation underscores the importance of maintaining the independence of judicial processes and the delicate balance between trade and diplomacy in international relations.
References: [1] BBC News. (2025). Jair Bolsonaro: Final arguments submitted in Brazil coup trial. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-56932755
[2] Reuters. (2025). Exclusive: Bolsonaro asks Trump for meeting to discuss Brazil tariffs - sources. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/exclusive-bolsonaro-asks-trump-meeting-discuss-brazil-tariffs-sources-2025-08-15/
[3] The Guardian. (2025). Brazil signals it may soften stance on Big Tech regulation to resolve trade dispute with US. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/20/brazil-signals-it-may-soften-stance-on-big-tech-regulation-to-resolve-trade-dispute-with-us
- The ongoing trial of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his alleged attempt to violate Brazil's democratic order is not just a domestic issue, but has also become intertwined with the country's trade relations and political dynamics with the United States, particularly concerning national sovereignty and economic sanctions.
- Policy-and-legislation, politics, war-and-conflicts, and general-news continue to dominate headlines as the trail against Bolsonaro advances, with the Supreme Federal Court's decision in September 2025 expected to have far-reaching implications, not only for Brazil, but also for Brazil-US relations and Big Tech regulations.
