Supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro claim that U.S. President Donald Trump is planning a trip to Brazil to visit him at his Brasília residence. The arrangement comes amid Bolsonaro’s house arrest since August 2025, ordered by the Supreme Federal Court due to investigations into an attempted coup. The meeting, if confirmed, would require prior judicial authorization, as highlighted by close allies.
Fábio Wajngarten, former Communications Secretary under Bolsonaro, posted on social media suggesting the gesture as a way to showcase the leaders’ affinity. The proposal gained traction after Bolsonaro began complying with precautionary measures, including wearing an electronic ankle monitor and restrictions on contacting certain family members.
The visit emerges in a context of strained bilateral relations, with U.S. tariffs imposed on Brazilian products since July 2025. Despite this, Trump mentioned a positive rapport in a brief meeting with President Lula at the UN General Assembly in New York last week.
- Key organizers: Eduardo Bolsonaro (PL-SP) and Paulo Figueiredo, with ties to Trump’s administration.
- Stated motivation: Update discussions and highlight Bolsonaro’s health, affected by injuries from a 2018 attack.
- Legal requirements: Consultation with the Court and defense lawyers prior to any realization.
Organizers behind the scenes
Eduardo Bolsonaro, a federal deputy from São Paulo’s PL, has been active in the U.S. since March 2025, strengthening ties with Trump’s administration. Alongside presenter Paulo Figueiredo, who maintains connections with Republican aides, they facilitate agendas benefiting the former president. Figueiredo declined to comment publicly on the plan.
The duo has pushed for economic sanctions against Brazil since July, aiming to influence STF investigations. This strategy involved lobbying figures like Steve Bannon and Jason Miller, former Trump advisors.
History of affinities
Trump and Bolsonaro built a close relationship during the Brazilian’s term, with meetings in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, in 2020. The Republican publicly supported his ally in July 2025, criticizing Brazil’s judicial treatment on social media. This stance reflects an ideological alliance between conservatives in both countries.
The support extended to criticisms of Brazil’s electoral system post-2022, with Trump echoing unproven irregularity claims. In May 2025, a U.S. State Department delegation visited Brasília to discuss sanctions, prioritizing talks with the Bolsonaro family.
Bolsonaro’s current conditions
Since July 18, 2025, Bolsonaro has worn an electronic ankle monitor and is banned from social media. The restriction prevents direct contact with Eduardo, who resides in the U.S., though recent violations, like using a speakerphone at a rally, have been noted. The former president faces STF hearings since June, as a defendant in a coup-related plot.
The 2018 attack still causes hiccup crises and vomiting, per medical reports. Allies argue a Trump visit would allow updates on these conditions, strengthening personal ties.
Recent Trump-Lula meeting shifts dynamics
Trump reported a 39-second conversation with Lula at the UN, describing it as a positive sign for future talks. Brazil’s president, in a September 24 press conference, highlighted shared interests between Brazil and the U.S., including global peace. This openness may complicate parallel agendas with opponents.
Lula emphasized a broad bilateral agenda, focusing on tariffs imposed since August, impacting sectors like steel and agriculture. The 50% tariff hike on Brazilian exports was justified by Trump as a response to alleged free speech violations in Brazil.
Reactions in political circles
Supporters see the potential visit as a gesture of solidarity against what they call judicial persecution. Wajngarten labeled the idea a personal suggestion, without official confirmation. In the STF, defendants in the coup plot, including military figures, were heard in June 2025, with 284 convictions tied to the January 8, 2023, events.
- Economic impacts: Tariffs raise costs for Brazilian exporters by 20%, per industry associations.
- International support: Trump pledged actions against STF rulings in a July Independence Day speech.
- Family stance: Flávio Bolsonaro used a speakerphone with his father at recent rallies, breaching restrictions.
Timeline of recent events
Bolsonaro lost the 2022 elections and remained silent for 44 hours initially. In January 2023, the Three Powers invasion triggered PGR investigations. In March, he returned from the U.S. after coup camps were dismantled.
In May 2025, he admitted sending $400,000 to his son in the U.S., sparking a new PF phase. Precautionary measures were imposed on July 25, with house arrest effective August 4. Defendants began testifying in June.
The tariff hike came on July 9, following Eduardo’s lobbying. The Trump-Lula meeting occurred on September 23, paving the way for a bilateral summit.
