US sanctions Brazilian judge overseeing case against former President Jair Bolsonaro

WASHINGTON

The Trump administration sanctioned the supreme court judge Wednesday who is overseeing the corruption trial against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, alleging "serious human rights abuse."

US President Donald Trump has long criticized the legal case against Bolsonaro, a former political ally, which he has called a political "witch hunt," and has threatened to impose 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports if it is not stopped.

The Treasury Department accused Alexandre de Moraes of using his powers “to authorize arbitrary pre-trial detentions and suppress freedom of expression."

“Alexandre de Moraes has taken it upon himself to be judge and jury in an unlawful witch hunt against U.S. and Brazilian citizens and companies,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.

“De Moraes is responsible for an oppressive campaign of censorship, arbitrary detentions that violate human rights, and politicized prosecutions—including against former President Jair Bolsonaro. Today’s action makes clear that Treasury will continue to hold accountable those who threaten U.S. interests and the freedoms of our citizens," he added.

The sanctions against de Moraes are the latest, if most significant, from the Trump administration as it seeks to pressure Brazil into halting proceedings against Bolsonaro.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced July 18 that the US is restricting visas for Brazilian judicial officials, including Moraes "and his allies on the court," as well as their immediate family members.

That same day, Brazil's Supreme Court issued search warrants and barred Bolsonaro from communicating with foreign officials amid allegations that he sought to enlist Trump's support to interfere in his country’s political affairs.

That was one day after Trump sent a letter to Brazilian President Lula da Silva that supported Bolsonaro and demanded his trial "end immediately."