Brazil’s Foreign Ministry rejects US threats and defends sovereignty against sanctions

The Brazilian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE), strongly condemned on the evening of September 9, 2025, the threats of military force and economic sanctions made by the United States against Brazil’s democracy. The statement was a response to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt’s claim that US President Donald Trump would not hesitate to use military power to “protect freedom of expression” in other countries. The escalating diplomatic tensions are directly linked to the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro (PL) in the Supreme Federal Court (STF), accused of leading an attempted coup after the 2022 elections. The 50% tariffs imposed by Trump on Brazilian products, in place since August, have intensified the conflict, which also involves criticism of Justice Alexandre de Moraes, the case’s rapporteur. The MRE emphasized that Brazil will not yield to external pressures and reaffirmed its commitment to national sovereignty and defending democracy.

The MRE’s note was clear in rejecting what it described as attempts by anti-democratic forces to manipulate foreign governments to interfere with Brazilian institutions. The reaction comes at a time of heightened tension, with the STF judging Bolsonaro and seven other defendants in the so-called “core 1” of the alleged coup plot.

• US actions: Trump justified the sanctions citing Moraes’ decisions against digital platforms and Bolsonaro’s trial.
• Brazilian response: Lula’s government stresses that sovereignty and the popular will expressed at the polls are non-negotiable.
• Judicial context: The STF continues the trial despite external pressures.

Itamaraty’s reaction to threats

The MRE’s statement, issued hours after Leavitt’s remarks, emphasized that Brazil’s democracy will not be shaken by external threats. The official note underscored that protecting freedom of expression first requires respecting the popular will expressed at the polls, a duty of the three branches of government. The MRE labeled economic sanctions and threats of force as “attacks on sovereignty,” rejecting any attempt to coerce national institutions.

The Brazilian government also pointed to the manipulation by anti-democratic forces, suggesting that Bolsonaro’s allies, such as Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro (PL-SP), have been coordinating with figures in the US to pressure the STF. This coordination has gained momentum in recent months, particularly after sanctions against Moraes, including visa revocations and inclusion under the Magnitsky Act, which allows punishment of individuals accused of human rights violations.

Bolsonaro’s trial at the STF

The trial of Jair Bolsonaro and seven other defendants, which began last week, is at the heart of the tensions between Brazil and the United States. Alexandre de Moraes, the case’s rapporteur in the STF’s First Chamber, voted to convict the former president, labeling him the “leader of a criminal organization” that sought to overturn the 2022 election results. Justice Flávio Dino followed the rapporteur’s vote but advocated for harsher penalties for Bolsonaro and former Minister Walter Braga Netto, another defendant in the case.

• PGR accusations: Bolsonaro is identified as the main orchestrator of an attempted coup.
• Precautionary measures: The former president faces restrictions, such as wearing an ankle monitor and a ban on social media.
• STF’s resilience: Justices state that external pressures do not influence the trial.
• Political impact: A conviction could bolster new conservative leaders, like Michelle Bolsonaro and Tarcísio de Freitas.

During the session, Moraes and Dino reinforced the Brazilian Judiciary’s independence. Dino noted that STF justices have “psychological protection” to resist pressures, whether internal or external, and that factors outside the case do not affect their decisions.

Economic sanctions and US pressure

The 50% tariffs imposed by Trump on Brazilian products, effective since August 6, marked a significant escalation in bilateral relations. Initially set at 10%, the tariffs were increased with Trump citing commercial issues and Bolsonaro’s trial. Additionally, specific sanctions against Moraes, such as visa revocations and inclusion in the Magnitsky Act, have heightened the conflict.

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The US government also threatened to investigate the Pix system, alleging it could be used to evade international sanctions. These measures, according to analysts, lack solid economic grounds and aim to politically pressure Brazil, particularly in support of Bolsonaro, a Trump ally.

• 50% tariffs: Impact sectors like steel and aeronautics, affecting bilateral trade.
• Magnitsky Act: Allows asset freezes and restrictions on individuals accused of corruption or rights violations.
• Pix threats: White House considers investigation, alleging misuse of the system.
• Brazilian reaction: Lula called the sanctions “unacceptable blackmail.”

International moves by Bolsonaro’s allies

The US pressure has been fueled by actions from Bolsonaro’s allies, particularly Eduardo Bolsonaro and businessman Paulo Figueiredo, who have been mobilizing support against the STF in the United States. Since 2024, a campaign targeting Moraes has gained traction, intensified by clashes with Elon Musk and Trump Media, a company linked to the US president.

These efforts culminated in concrete actions, such as a request by a Florida-based legal entity, Legal Help 4 You LLC, in July 2025, urging the US State Department to apply sanctions to Moraes and other STF justices. The request, grounded in the Magnitsky Act, alleges human rights violations, further escalating diplomatic tensions.

Lula’s government response

Lula’s government has taken a firm stance against US threats. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva labeled the sanctions as an attempt to interfere with Brazilian democracy, reaffirming support for the STF justices. Coalition parties, such as the PT, issued statements defending the Supreme Court, expressing outrage at Trump’s measures.

The MRE believes that a potential conviction of Bolsonaro could trigger new sanctions, possibly targeting strategic sectors of Brazil’s economy, such as finance. Nevertheless, the government remains steadfast in not yielding to pressures and is seeking to diversify trade partnerships with other countries to reduce reliance on the US.

• PT manifesto: Coalition parties condemn sanctions and support the STF.
• Trade strategy: Brazil seeks new markets to mitigate tariff impacts.
• Lula’s stance: President calls sanctions “unacceptable” and defends sovereignty.

Delicate diplomatic scenario

The tensions between Brazil and the US have reached a critical point, with implications extending beyond Bolsonaro’s trial. Trump’s stance, tying sanctions to the former president’s situation, is seen as an unprecedented attempt to interfere in Brazilian democracy. Lula’s government, in turn, seeks to balance defending institutions with maintaining viable trade relations with the US, Brazil’s main economic partner.

The possibility of new sanctions, including financial and trade restrictions, concerns both the government and the STF. However, the official stance is one of resistance, with the Judiciary and Executive reinforcing that Brazil will not bow to external pressures. The outcome of Bolsonaro’s trial, expected to continue until September 12, will be decisive for the future of bilateral relations.