Trump Ignites US-Brazil Spat Over Bolsonaro Witch Hunt Claims

Relations between the United States and Brazil hit a new rough patch on Monday, July 7, after U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Brazil’s actions against former president Jair Bolsonaro. Trump called it a “WITCH HUNT” and urged officials to “LEAVE BOLSONARO ALONE.”

Trump’s fiery post on Truth Social sparked a quick response from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Lula described Trump’s words as unwelcome foreign “interference” and made clear that “no one is above the law.”

Bolsonaro, 70, is now on trial in Brazil, accused of leading a “criminal organization” to try and stay in power after losing the 2022 election. Prosecutors say the plan fell apart because the military didn’t support it. If found guilty, Bolsonaro could face up to 40 years behind bars.

The case is highly political and has similarities to Trump’s legal battles, especially over his role in the January 6 Capitol riot. In that incident, Trump’s supporters stormed Congress to challenge his 2020 election loss. Trump pleaded not guilty, and charges against him were dropped after he became president again, when he gained immunity.

Bolsonaro insists he is innocent and a victim of political bias. He has kept rallying supporters, deepening divisions in Brazil.

The families of Trump and Bolsonaro are growing closer. Bolsonaro’s sons have lobbied for U.S. sanctions against a Brazilian Supreme Court judge and pushed Trump to speak out. Trump’s recent comments indicate those efforts are paying off and raise questions about the future relationship between the two nations.

Eduardo Bolsonaro, a congressman and one of Jair Bolsonaro’s sons, praised Trump’s post. He hinted more news may come soon, saying, “It won’t be the only story from the U.S. in the near future.”

Despite being banned from running for office again because of spreading false claims about Brazil’s voting system, Trump still sees Bolsonaro as the favorite for the 2026 election.

“I’ve watched this happen, and the world has too,” Trump wrote. “They’ve done this to him day after day, night after night, month after month. It’s happened to me, just worse. I know Jair Bolsonaro. He’s a strong leader who loves his country and is a tough negotiator on trade.”

Bolsonaro thanked Trump on social media for his backing and his call for “peace, justice, and liberty.”

Meanwhile, Lula hosted leaders from BRICS countries—including China, Russia, and Iran—in Rio de Janeiro. They criticized Trump’s trade policies and military actions, like the bombing of Iran. Trump responded by threatening a 10 percent tariff on goods from BRICS nations.

As tensions grew, Lula made it clear that BRICS countries are sovereign states. He dismissed ideas of outside control, saying, “We do not want an emperor.”