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President Donald Trump on Monday came to the defense of his close ally and former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, criticizing Brazil’s judiciary for its ongoing legal actions against the conservative leader and accusing it of waging a political campaign to keep him out of office.
In a statement posted on his website, Truth Social, Trump condemned Brazil’s Supreme Federal Tribunal (STF) and prosecutors for pursuing what he described as a “WITCH HUNT” against Bolsonaro, who served as president of Brazil from 2019 to 2023.
“Leave the Great Former President of Brazil alone. WITCH HUNT!!!” the president posted late Tuesday.
Trump’s post also quoted from his earlier statement condemning Brazil’s lawfare against Bolsonaro.
“Brazil is doing a terrible thing on their treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro. I have watched, as has the World, as they have done nothing but come after him, day after day, night after night, month after month, year after year! He is not guilty of anything, except having fought for THE PEOPLE,” the president wrote.
“I have gotten to know Jair Bolsonaro, and he was a strong Leader, who truly loved his Country — Also, a very tough negotiator on TRADE. His Election was very close and now, he is leading in the Polls. This is nothing more, or less, than an attack on a Political Opponent — Something I know much about! It happened to me, times 10, and now our Country is the ‘HOTTEST’ in the World!” Trump continued.
“The Great People of Brazil will not stand for what they are doing to their former President. I’ll be watching the WITCH HUNT of Jair Bolsonaro, his family, and thousands of his supporters, very closely. The only Trial that should be happening is a Trial by the Voters of Brazil — It’s called an Election. LEAVE BOLSONARO ALONE!” he concluded.
Bolsonaro, 70, narrowly lost reelection in 2022 to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a leftist leader previously imprisoned on corruption charges before returning to power. Since then, Bolsonaro has faced multiple investigations, including allegations that he falsified COVID-19 vaccination records and plotted to overturn the election results. The most serious of the charges include conspiracy to stage a coup, which could carry a prison sentence of up to 39 years.
Although prosecutors dropped the vaccine-related case, Bolsonaro remains banned from seeking public office. Despite the ban, recent polls show him leading potential challengers in Brazil’s 2026 presidential race.