Trump administration lifts Magnitsky Act sanctions against Alexandre de Moraes and wife in the USA

The Estados Unidos government announced this Friday, December 12, 2025, the removal of minister Alexandre of Moraes, of Supremo Tribunal Federal, and his wife, Viviane Barci of The decision takes place in Washington, the American federal capital, during diplomatic negotiations between Brasil and the USA. The measure revokes asset freezes and travel restrictions imposed in July and September, prompted by allegations of human rights violations and censorship.

Lei Magnitsky, approved in 2012, aims to punish foreigners for corruption and serious abuses. Moraes was included in July due to court decisions related to investigations into former president Jair Bolsonaro, while Viviane was added to the list in September for alleged material support. The revocation responds to calls from the Brazilian government for bilateral détente.

American authorities confirmed the change in an official statement from Departamento of Tesouro. The process involved analysis of evidence presented by President Donald Trump to Congresso, with 15 days’ prior notice.

• Main effects of previous sanctions: freezing assets in the US and banning transactions with US entities.
• Impact on the family: inclusion of children and company Lex Instituto from Estudos Jurídicos in September.
• Diplomatic context: negotiations on rare earths and Venezuela influenced the decision.

The STF issued a statement regretting the initial sanctions, but highlighted judicial independence. Moraes afirmou que as medidas não afetariam seu trabalho no tribunal.

History of sanctions imposed

The initial application of Lei Magnitsky against Moraes occurred on July 30, 2025. The American Departamento of Estado, under the leadership of Alegações included arbitrary arrests and suppression of freedom of expression.

Viviane Barci of Moraes was sanctioned on September 22. The inclusion extended to Lex Instituto, a family business in São Paulo. Essas actions blocked assets in the US and prevented transactions with banks linked to the American financial system.

The initial announcement came after hearings in the US Congresso. Deputados Republicans, like Cory Mills, pushed for punishments against what they called the decline of human rights in Brasil.

The list of those sanctioned by the law totals 262 individuals and 330 companies globally. Moraes was the only Brazilian until the repeal.

Context of Lei Magnitsky

The legislation arose from the death of Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky in 2009. Ele exposed state corruption and died in prison in Moscou. In 2016, an amendment expanded the scope for global human rights violations.

The US uses the law to include targets in the Lista of Cidadãos Especialmente Designados (SDN). Punições involve banning entry into the country and freezing assets. Instituições financial institutions with American ties must comply with the restrictions.

Similar cases have affected Russian, Turkish and Hong Kong authorities. No Brasil, the measure generated debates about judicial sovereignty.

Revocations occur due to national security interests. Trump notified Congresso 15 days before the final decision.

Diplomatic negotiations behind the revocation

Meetings between presidents Lula and Trump accelerated the process. Discussões involved concessions in Brazilian rare earths for American exploration. Colaboração combating organized crime was also on the agenda.

Instability at Venezuela was another theme. Washington sought Brazilian support for negotiations with Nicolás Maduro, ruling out military interventions.

US government sources indicate initial resistance of Rubio. The secretary of Estado preferred to maintain the sanctions, but bilateral agreements prevailed.

The repeal eases trade tensions. In July, Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian products, citing unfair practices.

Reactions in the STF and the Brazilian government

Supremo Tribunal Federal reacted with an official note in July. The court classified the sanctions as unfair and reiterated the impartiality of Moraes in trials.

Moraes commented on the punishments in August, during the opening of the judicial semester. Ele stated that he ignored the restrictions and continued working in a collegial manner.

The Lula government pressed for diplomatic retreat. Encontros in November involved proposals for detente, including an end to alleged censorship of social media.

Only four STF ministers escaped the initial sanctions. The remainder, including Gilmar Mendes, remained listed pending separate reviews.

Implications for bilateral relations

The decision marks a turnaround after an escalation of tensions. In May, Rubio mentioned sanctions analysis in a congressional hearing. Eduardo Bolsonaro, licensed deputy, worked with Republicans for punishments.

Support from figures such as Elon Musk and Paulo Figueiredo influenced the debate in the US. Críticos of Moraes defended the law as a tool against political persecution.

With the removal, Brasil and the USA move forward in economic partnerships. Acordos on rare minerals promises billion-dollar investments.

The episode highlights the political use of the law. Especialistas question criteria under Trump, comparing to recent removals of Israeli and Hungarian settlers.

Details of revoked restrictions

Sanctions have blocked travel to the US since July. Moraes was already facing visa bans for family members and allies.

Asset freezes affected bank accounts with American exposure. Linked Empresas, like Lex Instituto, faced fines for transactions.

Individuals under American jurisdiction risked punishment for contact with those sanctioned. Isso included platforms such as Google and Meta.

Revocation restores access to the global financial system. Moraes did not have assets declared in the USA, according to the STF.

Perspectives for the Brazilian Judiciário

Moraes remains rapporteur in sensitive investigations. Recent Decisões involved core investigations into the Estado scam.

The STF keeps four ministers off the initial list. Avaliações for other names continue in the American Tesouro.

Departamento’s note from Tesouro cited evidence of abuse. Revogação prioritized diplomatic interests over allegations.

The case exposes judges’ vulnerabilities to external pressure. National Soberania limits direct impacts on Brasil.