Trump's Battle with the EU: Are European Regulators Caught in Trump's Crusade Against Online 'Censorship'?
In a significant move, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked the visas of Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and several other justices, as well as their immediate family members. This action was taken in response to the prosecution of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is facing serious allegations, including conspiracy to overthrow the government, participation in a criminal organization, and involvement in the January 8, 2023 violent attacks on government buildings by Bolsonaro supporters [1][2].
Rubio accused de Moraes of leading a "political witch hunt" against Bolsonaro, citing overreaching actions such as temporarily banning Elon Musk's social media platform X in Brazil for noncompliance with court orders, which Rubio framed as censorship that extends beyond Brazil and affects Americans [1]. This move is part of a broader U.S. posture under Rubio and the Trump administration supporting right-wing allies internationally, with President Trump himself having threatened economic retaliation such as tariffs on Brazil partly due to the prosecution of Bolsonaro [1][2].
Bolsonaro, a far-right populist with close links to Donald Trump's "Maga" movement, is currently on trial for coup plotting, voter intimidation, and even assassination plots against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The trial stems from a unanimous 2025 decision by Brazil’s Supreme Court to proceed with charges related to the violent attempt to overturn democratic rule following Bolsonaro’s 2022 election loss [2].
Rubio's measure to revoke visas signals an escalation in U.S.-Brazil tensions over Bolsonaro’s legal challenges and reflects U.S. efforts to protect Bolsonaro and similar political figures from what they characterize as politically motivated judicial actions. However, it is important to note that the statement does not specify which foreign nationals are being targeted, and it does not mention any specific instances of censorship [1].
The Trump administration has stated its intention to hold foreign nationals accountable for censorship of protected expression in the United States, but the statement was made in a context where foreign nationals are believed to be responsible for censorship in the United States [1]. This development underscores the complex and evolving relationship between the U.S. and Brazil, particularly in the context of political polarization and allegations of censorship.
[1] Reuters. (2023, March 1). U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revokes visas of Brazilian judges in response to Bolsonaro prosecution. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-secretary-state-marco-rubio-revokes-visas-brazilian-judges-response-bolsonaro-2023-03-01/
[2] The Guardian. (2023, March 1). Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro charged with crimes against humanity. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/01/brazils-former-president-jair-bolsonaro-charged-with-crimes-against-humanity
- The revocation of visas by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio towards Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and others is a part of the U.S. policy-and-legislation strategy, which also includes supporting right-wing allies internationally, as seen in the case of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
- The war-and-conflicts in Brazil, such as the trial of Bolsonaro for coup plotting and voter intimidation, are generating significant general-news coverage, with U.S. politics heavily influencing the international response, particularly in relation to censorship allegations against de Moraes, as highlighted by Rubio's recent actions.
