Brazil’s Supreme Court has placed former President Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest for allegedly violating judicial restrictions and seeking political intervention from the United States.
The decision, issued by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes—who was recently sanctioned by the US Treasury—sparked sharp criticism from Washington and triggered increased tariffs on Brazilian goods.
According to Reuters, the arrest order cited Bolsonaro’s failure to comply with restraining orders, including alleged attempts to solicit interference from former US President Donald Trump.
Brazilian police visited Bolsonaro’s residence in Brasília on Monday evening to formally enforce the house arrest and confiscate his communication devices.
The court order prohibits Bolsonaro from using a mobile phone or receiving visitors, except for legal counsel and others authorized by the court.
A spokesperson for Bolsonaro confirmed both the house arrest and the seizure of his phone. His legal team announced plans to appeal the ruling, claiming the former president had not violated any court orders.
Bolsonaro is currently on trial before the Supreme Court, accused of conspiring with allies to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election, which he lost to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The US State Department condemned the court’s actions, accusing Justice de Moraes of weaponizing Brazilian institutions to suppress political opposition and undermine democracy.
A department spokesperson stated that the US would “hold accountable all those aiding and abetting sanctioned conduct.”
Former President Trump called the case a “witch hunt,” citing it as justification for a new 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, set to take effect on Wednesday. He also warned that even steeper tariffs could follow.
Some of Bolsonaro’s allies have expressed concern that Trump’s aggressive stance may backfire, worsening Bolsonaro’s legal challenges and increasing public support for Lula’s government.
Previously, Brazil’s electoral court barred Bolsonaro from holding public office until 2030.
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