US President Donald Trump strongly criticized Brazilian authorities, accusing them of launching a “witch hunt” against his close political ally, Jair Bolsonaro on Monday. Trump’s comments came as Bolsonaro faces trial for allegedly trying to overturn the 2022 presidential election in Brazil.

Trump posted on Truth Social, “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!”

Lula Responds to Trump's Remarks

Brazil's current president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, did not hold back. He criticized Trump’s statement, calling it “interference” in Brazil’s internal affairs. Lula said firmly, “No one is above the law.” His sharp response broke from usual diplomatic norms, showing how seriously Brazil views Trump’s comments.

Bolsonaro Faces Serious Charges

Brazil's Supreme Court is preparing to try Bolsonaro. Authorities allege that he led a “criminal organisation” to undo his 2022 election loss to Lula. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face up to 40 years in prison.

Prosecutors claim his plan failed mainly because Brazil’s top military commanders refused to support the plot.

Bolsonaro, however, says he is the target of political persecution meant to stop him from running again. Although he is barred from elections until 2030, he argues that the case is an attempt to silence him.

Trump Backs Bolsonaro Publicly

Trump defended the former Brazilian president by writing, “He is not guilty of anything, except having fought for THE PEOPLE. 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.”

Trump also claimed that Bolsonaro is still popular in Brazil. “His election was very close and now, he is leading in the polls,” Trump said, adding, “The trial is nothing more, or less, than an attack on a political opponent — something I know much about!”

He compared Bolsonaro’s legal troubles to his own. Trump faced prosecution over the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots but pleaded not guilty. That case ended after he returned to office.

Trump Questions Brazil’s Justice System

Trump expressed doubt over Brazil’s legal process. “The only trial that should be happening is a trial by the voters of Brazil — it’s called an election,” he said. He also warned, “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.”

Bolsonaro’s Son Welcomes Trump’s Support

Eduardo Bolsonaro, Jair Bolsonaro’s son, welcomed Trump’s words. He wrote that the post “would not be the only news coming from the United States in the near future.”

Tensions Rise as Lula Hosts BRICS Summit

Trump’s post came during the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, hosted by Lula. Leaders from China, Russia, Iran, and other countries attended. Many of them criticized Trump’s past tariffs and his airstrikes on Iran.

In response, Trump threatened to impose 10% additional tariffs on each BRICS-aligned country.