Washington REVOKES visas of Brazilian judges in escalating clash over Bolsonaro "witch hunt"

By ramontomeydw // 2025-07-21

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The Trump administration revoked visas for Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and his allies, accusing them of orchestrating a "political witch hunt" against former President Jair Bolsonaro. The sanctions also targeted top Brazilian prosecutors and federal police officials.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed Moraes' actions violated free speech rights, extending censorship beyond Brazil to target Americans. He emphasized the Trump administration's stance against foreign censorship affecting U.S. citizens.
The move followed Bolsonaro's confinement under draconian measures (house arrest, ankle monitor, social media ban) ordered by Moraes, who alleged flight risk. Trump condemned the case as an "international disgrace" and threatened 50 percent tariffs on Brazilian imports if it continued.
Bolsonaro, like Trump, alleges election fraud undermined his defeat. Rubio accused Moraes of suppressing free speech globally, while Brazilian prosecutors claim Bolsonaro incited insurrection. The clash reflects deepening global divides over judicial independence and electoral legitimacy.
The visa revocations evoke Cold War-era interventions, drawing criticism for threatening Brazilian sovereignty and praise for resisting judicial overreach. Trump's tariff threats intertwine trade policy with Bolsonaro’s legal battles, exacerbating U.S.-Brazil tensions amid broader geopolitical struggles.

In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions, the Trump administration revoked the U.S. visas of Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) Justice Alexandre de Moraes and his allies Friday, July 18. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the move, accusing Moraes and his close associates of orchestrating a "political witch hunt" against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Also sanctioned were Brazilian Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet, Brazilian Federal Police (PF) Director-General Andrei Rodrigues and Fabio Schor, head of the PF's Cybercrime Division. Aside from Moraes, Washington likewise revoked the visas of STF President Justice Luis Roberto Barroso; Justice Gilmar Mendes; Justice Luiz Edson Fachin; Justice Carmen Lucia Antunes; Justice Jose Antonio Dias Toffoli; Justice Cristiano Zanin; and Justice Flavio Dino. Rubio's order also extends to the families of the magistrates. According to Rubio, U.S. President Donald Trump has made it clear that his second administration "will hold accountable foreign nationals who are responsible for censorship of protected expression in the United States." He also pointed out that the witch hunt spearheaded by Moraes "created a persecution and censorship complex so sweeping that it not only violates basic rights of Brazilians, but also extends beyond Brazil’s shores to target Americans." The secretary of state's Friday edict marks a sharp rebuke of Brazil's judiciary. It also raises concerns over foreign interference in democratic processes, a charge both nations have traded in recent years.

From election trials to trade war

Rubio's announcement came hours after Bolsonaro was placed under house arrest, fitted with an ankle monitor and barred from social media. Moraes defended these draconian measures, citing fears the former leader might flee abroad. "This trial is an international disgrace," Trump wrote on Truth Social, likening Bolsonaro's treatment to his own legal battles. He threatened a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian imports unless the case is dropped, framing it as retaliation for "censorship" extending to Americans. Bolsonaro, who denies coup allegations, called his prosecution "supreme humiliation" in an interview with Reuters. (Related: Trump Media, Rumble sue Brazilian judge over censorship of U.S. conservatives.) The dispute mirrors deepening global divides over election integrity and judicial independence. Bolsonaro, like Trump, claims fraud undermined his electoral defeat. Gonet told the STF that Bolsonaro "acted systematically ... to incite insurrection," while Rubio accused Moraes of suppressing free speech beyond Brazil’s borders. Historically, such clashes evoke Cold War-era interventions, where the U.S. frequently backed leaders facing perceived political persecution. Critics argue the visa revocations signal a return to heavy-handed diplomacy, risking Brasilia's sovereignty. Supporters, however, hail it as a stand against judicial overreach – citing parallels to Trump's own indictments. Trump's tariff threats complicate matters further, intertwining trade policy with Bolsonaro's fate. Brazil, a BRICS member, faces economic pressure as Trump warns of additional penalties for nations aligning with the bloc's "anti-American policies." As Bolsonaro fights his legal battles and faces a ban from running for public office until 2030, the Washington-Brasilia rift underscores a broader trend: Leaders challenging elections worldwide face mounting legal and political repercussions. Visit BigGovernment.news for more similar stories. Watch Alex Jones of InfoWars talking about STF Justice Alexandre de Moraes' legal battle with X owner Elon Musk in this clip. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

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From election trials to trade war

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