Trump Slams Bolsonaro Trial as ‘Witch Hunt’, Lula Warns Against Interference

U.S. President Donald Trump has condemned Brazil’s ongoing prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, labeling the trial a “WITCH HUNT” and urging authorities to drop the charges.

Bolsonaro, who led Brazil from 2019 to 2022, is currently facing trial for allegedly attempting to stage a coup against his successor, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. He denies any involvement in the January 2023 attack on government institutions by his supporters, which federal prosecutors describe as a failed coup.

Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump described Bolsonaro as “not guilty of anything, except having fought for THE PEOPLE,” and told Brazilian authorities to “LEAVE BOLSONARO ALONE!”

Trump drew parallels between Bolsonaro’s trial and his own legal battles in the U.S., calling the case “an attack on a political opponent—something I know much about!”

In response, President Lula firmly rejected Trump’s remarks, saying Brazil “won’t accept interference or instruction from anyone.”

“No one is above the law. Especially those that threaten freedom and the rule of law,” Lula said in a post on X.

Bolsonaro thanked Trump for his support, calling the case against him “clear political persecution” in his own social media response.

Brazilian Minister of Institutional Affairs Gleisi Hoffmann also rebuked Trump’s comments. “The time when Brazil was subservient to the U.S. was the time of Bolsonaro,” she said. “The U.S. president should take care of his own problems… and respect the sovereignty of Brazil and our judiciary.”

The diplomatic spat comes as President Lula hosts a BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, with leaders from China, Russia, and other nations in attendance. Trump recently warned he may impose new tariffs on countries aligning with what he termed the bloc’s “anti-American” stance.

Trump and Bolsonaro shared a close relationship during their overlapping terms, meeting at the White House in 2019. Both later lost re-election bids and initially refused to accept the results.

Bolsonaro, currently barred from office until 2030 due to false claims about Brazil’s voting system, has vowed to fight the ban and return to politics in 2026. He could face decades in prison if convicted in the ongoing trial.