January 1, Rubio Promises Action Against Brazilian Court

Wyatt’s Take

• U.S. may take action after Brazil jails Bolsonaro
• Rubio calls Brazilian court’s move ‘political witch hunt’
• Trump calls Bolsonaro a ‘good man’ facing unjust attacks

The U.S. is weighing a response after Brazil sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to over 27 years for plotting to stay in power after losing an election. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Brazil’s Supreme Court and Justice Alexandre de Moraes of political persecution in the conviction.

“The political persecutions by sanctioned human rights abuser Alexandre de Moraes continue, as he and others on Brazil’s supreme court have unjustly ruled to imprison former President Jair Bolsonaro,” Rubio wrote on X.

“The United States will respond accordingly to this witch hunt,” he continued.

Brazil’s Foreign Ministry pushed back, saying Rubio’s words were a threat and claimed Brazilian democracy would not be bullied by the U.S. They insisted the conviction was legitimate and based on evidence.

Bolsonaro, known for his alliance with President Trump, was convicted of trying to stop President Lula from taking office after losing the 2022 election. Trump said, “Well, I watched that trial. I know him pretty well. I thought he was a good president of Brazil, and it’s very surprising that could happen very much like they tried to do with me, but they didn’t get away with it at all.”

“But I can always say this: I knew him as president of Brazil. He was a good man,” Trump added.

Rubio moved to revoke visas from Justice de Moraes, his supporters, and their families, calling it a response to what he says is an unfair crackdown on Bolsonaro. The U.S. Treasury also sanctioned de Moraes for suppressing expression and jailing political opponents.

Rep. Eduardo Bolsonaro, the former president’s son, said more U.S. action may soon follow. “We are going to have a firm response with actions from the U.S. government against this dictatorship that is being installed in Brazil,” he said, warning justices could face Magnitsky Act sanctions unless they change course.

Stay tuned as this high-stakes feud between the U.S. and Brazil could stir up even more global tensions in the weeks ahead.

Wyatt Matters

Heartland Americans know what it’s like to face elites who tip the scales against the common man. Watching powerful judges and politicians trade blame and punishment reminds us just how important honest justice is for every nation’s people.

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