Police in Brazil have raided the home and political headquarters of former President Jair Bolsonaro, placing him under a series of restrictions as he stands trial for allegedly plotting to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election.

 

 

 

 

Federal officers carried out the operation early Friday, seizing cash, searching multiple properties, and ordering Bolsonaro to wear an electronic ankle monitor. The Supreme Court also banned him from contacting foreign officials, approaching embassies, or using social media — citing fears he could attempt to flee the country. Bolsonaro has denied any wrongdoing.

 

 

 

 

Authorities also accused Bolsonaro and his son, Eduardo, of colluding with the United States to impose sanctions on Brazilian officials, an act the court claimed would directly benefit the former president. A large sum of U.S. dollars, reportedly around $14,000, was found at one of the raided properties. Bolsonaro insisted the money was for personal use and that he had receipts.

 

 

 

Outside the police station, Bolsonaro called the ankle monitor a “supreme humiliation” and dismissed suggestions he intended to flee:

 

 

 

 

“The suspicion is exaggerated. Damn it, I’m a former president – I’m 70 years old. I never thought of leaving Brazil,” he said.

 

 

 

 

The legal drama escalated after former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Brazil with a 50% tariff starting August 1, unless the ongoing trial against Bolsonaro was dropped. In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the proceedings as a “witch hunt” and said Bolsonaro was a victim of an “unjust system.”

 

 

 

Brazil’s Supreme Court cited Trump’s statement as an “offensive” and “clear threat” to the country’s sovereignty. Court documents also referenced a confidential meeting between Bolsonaro and a U.S. State Department official.

 

 

 

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, known as Lula, responded in an interview with CNN, stating:

 

 

 

“The judiciary in Brazil is independent. Bolsonaro is not being judged personally, but for organizing a coup d’état.”

 

 

 

 

 

Lula added that Trump’s actions had violated diplomatic norms and suggested that if Trump’s January 6 actions had taken place in Brazil, he too would be on trial.

 

 

Bolsonaro later posted Trump’s letter on X (formerly Twitter), thanking him with “eternal gratitude.” In a video message, he stated he was ready to face the court process:

 

 

 

 

“I’m not a criminal — the real criminal is the one persecuting me.”

 

 

 

 

If convicted, Bolsonaro could face over 40 years in prison. He is among 34 individuals charged with five crimes, including attempted coup. Prosecutors allege the plot included plans to assassinate President Lula, the vice president, and a Supreme Court minister.

 

 

Analysts say while U.S. trade is important to Brazil, China remains its largest export market, making up double the volume of U.S. trade. However, experts warn that escalating pressure from Trump could still inflict significant economic and diplomatic strain.