U.S. Vows to Act After Bolsonaro's Conviction in Brazil

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is speaking out against the recent conviction of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, calling it a “political witch hunt” in a post on X.

Rubio promised that the U.S. will take action in response to what he sees as unfair treatment of Bolsonaro, who was found guilty by Brazil’s Supreme Court of trying to stage a coup to hold onto power after losing the 2022 election.

Bolsonaro, a fiery leader and close friend of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has been at the center of controversy. The Supreme Court, led by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, ruled that Bolsonaro worked to undermine the 2022 election results.

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This decision has outraged his supporters and some global figures, including Rubio, who argue that the court is targeting Bolsonaro for political reasons. “Alexandre de Moraes’ attacks have to stop,” Rubio said, claiming the judge has a history of human rights issues. “The U.S. won’t sit back and watch.”

Bolsonaro’s legal troubles have been piling up. Earlier this year, Rubio canceled visas for de Moraes and others, accusing them of cracking down on free speech. Brazilian authorities have also searched Bolsonaro’s home, put him on an ankle monitor, and blocked his social media accounts, which he and Trump say is proof of a political vendetta.

Brazil’s current president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has pushed back, saying the U.S. has no right to meddle in Brazil’s courts. He called the interference “totally unacceptable” and stressed that Brazil’s justice system should be respected. The clash has soured ties between the two countries, especially after Trump slapped a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, hitting their economy hard.

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Rubio’s strong words hint at a U.S. foreign policy that backs leaders like Bolsonaro. But critics warn this could hurt Brazil’s democracy and make the U.S. look bad on the world stage. People are now waiting to see what the U.S. will do next.