US Imposes Visa Restrictions on Brazilian Officials Over Bolsonaro 'Witch-Hunt' Allegations

The United States has announced travel visa restrictions for Brazilian judicial officials and their immediate families in response to what it described as a “political witch-hunt” against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the announcement on Friday, targeting Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and his allies. Rubio accused Moraes of orchestrating a wide-reaching campaign of persecution and censorship, alleging that it violates Brazilians’ rights and even targets Americans abroad. Effective immediately, visas have been revoked for Moraes, his allies in the judiciary, and their families.

Brazilian newspaper O Globo reported that seven more Brazilian Supreme Court justices have also had their U.S. visas revoked. If accurate, the only unaffected justices are Bolsonaro appointees Andre Mendonca, Nunes Marques, and Luiz Fux.

This move by the U.S. follows actions by Brazil’s Supreme Court, which recently issued search warrants and imposed restrictions on Bolsonaro, banning him from contacting foreign officials amid allegations that he sought interference from former U.S. President Donald Trump in his legal battles. Justice Moraes accused Bolsonaro of attempting to undermine Brazil’s sovereignty by inviting foreign influence in judicial matters.

Bolsonaro, who served as Brazil’s president from 2019 to 2023, is facing trial on multiple charges, including attempting a coup to overturn President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s 2023 election victory. The coup charge alone carries a potential 12-year sentence. Additional charges could see Bolsonaro imprisoned for decades. As part of the court’s ruling, Bolsonaro is now barred from using social media, contacting embassies, or interacting with key allies—including his son Eduardo Bolsonaro, a congressman promoting his father’s case in the U.S.

Authorities also raided Bolsonaro’s residence and headquarters. Citing the risk of flight, Moraes ordered Bolsonaro to wear an ankle monitor to ensure he remains in the country.

In a statement to Reuters, Bolsonaro lashed out at Moraes, calling him a “dictator” and labeling the court's actions as acts of “cowardice.” He expressed personal humiliation over being forced to wear the ankle monitor, noting his age and his former role as president.

Later that day, a panel of five Supreme Court justices upheld Moraes’s ruling. Bolsonaro suggested the court’s harsh treatment of him was prompted by Trump’s public criticism of the trial process. Although Bolsonaro denied plans to flee Brazil, he said he would meet Trump if his passport, which was seized by police, is returned.

The White House responded through spokesperson Anna Kelly, who stated that Bolsonaro and his supporters are victims of a “weaponised court system.” Trump has remained a vocal supporter of Bolsonaro—known as the “Trump of the Tropics”—since his presidency. He recently shared a letter on Truth Social expressing sympathy for Bolsonaro and denouncing the Brazilian judiciary.

Earlier this month, Trump threatened a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods starting August 1 if Lula’s government does not drop the charges against Bolsonaro. President Lula warned of retaliatory trade actions, citing Brazil’s Law of Economic Reciprocity. Moraes noted that Trump’s tariff threats could destabilize Brazil economically and interfere in its judicial system. The tariff threats have galvanized public support for Lula’s leftist government, particularly among sectors like agriculture and aviation.