Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva strongly defended his country’s Supreme Court on Tuesday, rejecting U.S. threats of sanctions against Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The remarks followed comments by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who told lawmakers that former President Donald Trump might consider economic sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act against Moraes, who is overseeing multiple trials involving far-right ex-president Jair Bolsonaro.
Lula criticized the suggestion, stating, “It is unacceptable for the president of any country in the world to comment on the decision of the Supreme Court of another country.” He urged the U.S. to respect Brazil’s institutions and judicial independence.
Justice Moraes has been a central figure in Brazil’s defense of democracy, targeting disinformation, coup plots, and attacks from Bolsonaro supporters. He ordered the removal of harmful social media content, including suspending Elon Musk’s platform X in Brazil until it complied with court orders. He also led investigations into Bolsonaro allies for inciting violence and vandalizing government buildings after the 2022 election.
Eduardo Bolsonaro, the ex-president’s son, left Congress and moved to the U.S., where he met with Rep. Cory Mills. Mills raised the possibility of sanctioning Moraes for alleged abuse of power, prompting Rubio to say, “There is a great possibility that will happen.”
In response, Lula accused Eduardo Bolsonaro of “terrorist practices” and abandoning his legislative duties “to lick Trump’s boots.” Justice Moraes has since launched a probe into Eduardo for alleged interference in the judiciary.
The escalating tensions highlight a broader clash over democratic institutions, judicial independence, and international political influence in Brazil's internal affairs.