“I have gotten to know Jair Bolsonaro, and he was a strong Leader, who truly loved his Country.”
President Donald Trump posted in support of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday, slamming the ongoing trial against him and calling it a political “witch hunt.”
Trump wrote in a post to Truth: “Brazil is doing a terrible thing on their treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro. I have watched, as has the World, as they have done nothing but come after him, day after day, night after night, month after month, year after year! He is not guilty of anything, except having fought for THE PEOPLE. I have gotten to know Jair Bolsonaro, and he was a strong Leader, who truly loved his Country — Also, a very tough negotiator on TRADE.”
“His Election was very close and now, he is leading in the Polls. This is nothing more, or less, than an attack on a Political Opponent — Something I know much about! It happened to me, times 10, and now our Country is the ‘HOTTEST’ in the World! The Great People of Brazil will not stand for what they are doing to their former President. I’ll be watching the WITCH HUNT of Jair Bolsonaro, his family, and thousands of his supporters, very closely. The only Trial that should be happening is a Trial by the Voters of Brazil — It’s called an Election. LEAVE BOLSONARO ALONE!” Trump added.
Bolsonaro is currently on trial before Brazil’s Supreme Court, facing charges of plotting to stop current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from taking power following the 2022 presidential election.
The high court agreed in March to proceed with the case against Bolsonaro and seven others, including several military officers.
The charges are connected to a two-year investigation into alleged efforts to overturn the election results, which ultimately led to violent riots in the capital just one week after Lula was inaugurated in January 2023.
Last month, Bolsonaro denied leading an attempt to overthrow the government and has dismissed the accusations. To avoid any impact on Brazil’s 2026 presidential elections, Supreme Court justices aim to conclude the trial by the end of 2025. However, a decision on whether to proceed with the case or schedule preliminary hearings is not expected before early March.
In an 844-page indictment filed in November, federal police alleged that Bolsonaro had “full knowledge” of a plan to prevent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from taking office. The indictment further claims that Bolsonaro “planned, acted in, and led directly and effectively” the effort.
Bolsonaro has denied the accusations, telling Brazilian magazine Veja that he “never agreed to any plan.