Brazil's Supreme Court Elects New Chief Justice, Fachin to Serve as Deputy

Brazil’s Supreme Court has named Edson Fachin as its next Chief Justice, with Justice Alexandre de Moraes stepping up as Deputy Chief Justice starting October 2025.

The news, shared on Tuesday, marks a big moment for the court, which has been in the hot seat amid Brazil’s heated political scene and growing tensions with the United States.

Fachin, a vocal supporter of a strong, independent court system, will take over from Luís Roberto Barroso for a two-year term.

His appointment comes at a tough time, with the court facing criticism both in Brazil and abroad, especially over Moraes’ role in some high-stakes cases.

• Brazil Supreme Court Names Barroso Chief Justice, Moraes as Deputy
• Justice Alexandre de Moraes Becomes Deputy Chief Justice Amid Bolsonaro Trial
• Brazil Judiciary Leadership Change: Barroso and Moraes Take Top Court Roles

Moraes is leading the charge in the criminal case against former President Jair Bolsonaro, who’s accused of trying to stage a coup after losing the 2022 election to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Fachin has stirred up strong feelings, with Brazilian conservatives and even U.S. President Donald Trump accusing him of censorship and unfair arrests. In July 2025, Trump hit Fachin with sanctions and slapped a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, escalating the drama. Fachin, unfazed, said he’ll keep doing his job, sticking to Brazil’s Constitution and ensuring fair legal processes.

Barroso, speaking after the announcement, made it clear the court won’t back down. “Brazil’s judiciary will not bend to external pressures,” he said. President Lula had his back, calling out the U.S. sanctions as an overreach into Brazil’s affairs.

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As Deputy Chief Justice, Fachin could be in line to lead the court in 2027, keeping his influence front and center. The court is working to wrap up big cases, like Bolsonaro’s trial, with Fachin promising to stay fair despite the backlash. This shake-up shows just how tricky things are for Brazil’s courts, juggling their role at home while navigating a rocky international stage, with more challenges likely on the way.