Monday, August 4, 2025, Brazil’s Supreme Court placed former President Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest on charges of violating judicial restrictions and attempting to solicit political interference from the United States.
According to Reuters, Brazilian police went to Bolsonaro’s residence in Brasilia and formally arrested him and confiscated his communications equipment.
According to a ruling issued by Judge Alexandre de Morais, Bolsonaro is prohibited from using a cell phone or meeting with anyone other than lawyers and persons approved by the court.
In response to the arrest, the United States condemned the decision and claimed that Brazil’s Supreme Court was being misused to suppress dissent.
US President Donald Trump described the trial as a witch hunt and will impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods starting Wednesday (August 6, 2025).
Brazilian President Lula da Silva considered these sanctions an interference in national sovereignty and supported Judge de Moraes.
