Lula Defends Bolsonaro’s Coup Trial, Pushes Back Against Trump’s “Witch Hunt” Claims
Lula Stands Firm on Bolsonaro’s Conviction
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has strongly defended the trial that resulted in former president Jair Bolsonaro being sentenced to more than 27 years in prison for plotting a coup.
In an opinion piece for The New York Times, Lula dismissed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s description of the trial as a “witch hunt.” Instead, Lula praised the ruling as a “historic decision that safeguards Brazil’s democratic institutions and the rule of law.”
Direct Message to Trump
Lula explained that his essay was meant to open a “frank and transparent dialogue” with Trump, who recently imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports. The Brazilian leader criticized the move as “misguided and illogical,” noting that trade relations between the two countries have grown increasingly tense.
He highlighted that, over the past 15 years, the United States has accumulated a $410 billion surplus in bilateral trade, questioning the political motives behind the tariffs.
U.S.–Brazil Tensions Contrast With Bolsonaro Era
The strained relationship marks a sharp contrast from the period when Bolsonaro was in power. Known for his admiration of Trump, Bolsonaro even visited him at his Mar-a-Lago resort in 2020.
Now, under Lula’s leadership, Brazil has taken a tougher stance. Lula accused Washington of using tariffs and the Magnitsky Act to protect Bolsonaro, criticizing U.S. sanctions placed on the Supreme Court justice who presided over the trial.
Bolsonaro Found Guilty on All Charges
On Thursday, Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled 4–1 in favor of convicting Bolsonaro on five separate charges. A simple majority was needed, and the former president was sentenced to 27 years and 3 months in prison. His lawyers have announced plans to appeal the ruling.
Trump expressed his surprise at the verdict, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it a “witch hunt” and warned that the U.S. would “respond accordingly.”
Lula Rejects U.S. Criticism of Brazil’s Justice System
In his essay, Lula rejected claims that Brazil’s courts were politically motivated or unfair to U.S. tech firms. He argued that regulating digital platforms was necessary to uphold national sovereignty and democratic integrity.
“The judgment followed Brazil’s 1988 Constitution, which was established after two decades of dictatorship,” Lula wrote, reminding readers that Brazil’s democracy was restored in 1985 after years of military rule.
Brazil Open to Dialogue but Firm on Democracy
Lula ended his op-ed with a direct message to Trump, affirming Brazil’s willingness to negotiate on matters of trade and cooperation. However, he drew a red line:
“Brazil’s democracy and sovereignty are not up for negotiation.”