Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro has been placed under house arrest following a ruling by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes on August 4, 2025. The decision comes as Bolsonaro faces a high-profile trial over alleged attempts to overturn the 2022 presidential election results. The court cited violations of prior restrictions, including bans on public communication and social media use, as grounds for the house arrest order.
The ruling includes strict conditions: Bolsonaro’s mobile phone was seized, he is barred from receiving visitors except for legal counsel or court-approved individuals, and he must wear an electronic ankle monitor. The former president has also been prohibited from speaking at public events or posting on digital platforms. Authorities accused Bolsonaro of bypassing these restrictions by delivering a speech to supporters through his son’s mobile phone during a protest in Rio de Janeiro.
Bolsonaro is on trial for allegedly leading a criminal conspiracy to subvert democratic institutions and orchestrate a failed coup attempt. This includes accusations of plotting to assassinate President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Justice Moraes. His political rights were previously suspended until 2030 due to a separate ruling on electoral misconduct.
The arrest has ignited widespread protests across Brazil. Supporters of Bolsonaro rallied in over 18 cities, displaying both Brazilian and American flags while demanding the resignation of Justice Moraes. Demonstrators claim that the trial is politically motivated and orchestrated to silence opposition voices.
The situation has triggered a sharp reaction from the United States. President Donald Trump has condemned the arrest, calling it a witch hunt. In retaliation, the U.S. has imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports, citing concerns over judicial overreach and suppression of free speech. The U.S. Treasury has also sanctioned Justice Moraes under the Global Magnitsky Act, revoking his visa and accusing him of political persecution.
These developments have led to heightened diplomatic tensions between the two nations. The Brazilian government, under President Lula, has criticized the U.S. measures as interference in domestic affairs. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro’s legal team has announced plans to appeal the court’s decision, maintaining that the former president has complied with all previous legal obligations.
With Bolsonaro’s trial expected to continue through the end of the year, Brazil faces a period of increased political uncertainty. The escalating tensions with the United States may also impact trade relations and international diplomacy, as both countries brace for the wider consequences of this unfolding crisis.