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Sunday 22/02/2026

Trump's Defense of Bolsonaro Sparks Diplomatic Tensions Amid Brazil's Coup Trial

Donald Trump speaking on social media supporting Jair Bolsonaro in courtroom
Alex CarterAlex Carter

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Former US President Donald Trump has publicly defended Jair Bolsonaro, calling the trial against him a "witch hunt" and comparing it to his own legal challenges.
  • Bolsonaro is on trial for allegedly attempting a coup after losing the 2022 Brazilian presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
  • Lula has rejected Trump's comments, emphasizing Brazil's sovereignty and the independence of its judiciary.
  • Bolsonaro's ties with evangelical leaders, particularly Silas Malafaia, are under scrutiny, highlighting the influence of religious groups in Brazilian politics.
  • The controversy unfolds as Brazil hosts the BRICS summit, with Lula criticizing Trump's threats of tariffs against BRICS-aligned countries.

Former US President Donald Trump has reignited diplomatic tensions by defending Brazil's ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently on trial for allegedly orchestrating a coup attempt following his 2022 electoral defeat. Trump's remarks, made on his social media platform, labeled the legal proceedings against Bolsonaro as a "witch hunt," drawing parallels to his own legal battles.

Bolsonaro's Legal Challenges and Trump's Support

Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil's former far-right leader, faces serious accusations of attempting to undermine democracy after losing the presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Trump, in a fervent defense, claimed Bolsonaro is "not guilty of anything" except advocating for the people. This statement has intensified the political discourse, as Bolsonaro remains barred from running for office until 2030 due to his unfounded claims about Brazil's voting system.

Lula's Firm Stance on Sovereignty

President Lula da Silva has firmly rebuked Trump's comments, asserting Brazil's sovereignty and the independence of its judiciary. "We are a sovereign nation," Lula stated, emphasizing that Brazil will not tolerate external interference. The Brazilian leader also criticized Trump's threats of imposing tariffs on BRICS-aligned nations, underscoring the importance of respecting international relations.

Evangelical Influence and Bolsonaro's Political Network

The trial has also spotlighted Bolsonaro's connections with influential evangelical leaders, particularly televangelist Silas Malafaia. This relationship is explored in Petra Costa's documentary, "Apocalypse in the Tropics," which examines the growing influence of religious fundamentalism in Brazilian politics. Costa suggests that Malafaia's influence over Bolsonaro was significant, raising concerns about the intertwining of religion and politics.

BRICS Summit and International Relations

The diplomatic spat coincides with Brazil hosting the BRICS summit, where Lula has been engaging with leaders from China, Russia, and other nations. The summit has further highlighted the geopolitical dynamics, as Lula criticized Trump's approach to international diplomacy, advocating for mutual respect among sovereign nations.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

As Bolsonaro's trial progresses, the outcome could have significant implications for Brazil's political landscape and its democratic institutions. A conviction could further polarize the nation, potentially rallying Bolsonaro's supporters and intensifying political divisions. Internationally, Trump's intervention may strain US-Brazil relations, especially if Lula continues to assert Brazil's sovereignty against perceived external pressures. The influence of evangelical groups in Brazilian politics is likely to remain a contentious issue, potentially shaping future electoral strategies and alliances. As the BRICS summit unfolds, Brazil's role in global geopolitics will be closely watched, particularly in the context of its relations with major powers like the US and China.

Images from the Web

Additional article image
Image Source: 2025 Netflix, Inc.
Additional article image
Image Source: Francisco Proner/2025 Netflix, Inc.