Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been placed under house arrest by the Supreme Court as he faces trial over allegations of plotting a coup to overturn the 2022 election, intensifying political turmoil in Brazil and straining ties with the United States.
The ruling comes just a day after nationwide protests in support of Bolsonaro, who is accused of leading an armed criminal group and inciting attacks on democratic institutions.
House arrest ordered over social media violations
On Monday, Justice Alexandre de Moraes issued the house arrest order, citing Bolsonaro's repeated violation of precautionary measures that restricted his political messaging and social media activity.
According to Moraes, Bolsonaro circumvented the court’s ban by using the social media accounts of his three lawmaker sons to spread “incitement to attacks against the Supreme Court” and endorse foreign intervention in Brazil’s judiciary.
“There is a clear content of encouragement and instigation,” Moraes stated in his ruling.
The court ordered that all mobile phones from Bolsonaro’s residence be seized. He will now be required to wear an ankle monitor and may only receive visits from his legal team or family members.
Coup charges and rising legal pressure
Bolsonaro is facing multiple criminal charges, including leading an armed conspiracy, attempting a violent coup, and destruction of public property—serious accusations that stem from the January 2023 storming of Brazil’s Congress and key state buildings by his supporters.
The crowd had gathered in protest against the victory of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, which Bolsonaro never publicly conceded. A coup conviction in Brazil can carry a sentence of up to 12 years.
Us-brazil tensions flare over trial
The case is also fueling a growing diplomatic rift between Washington and Brasília. The Biden administration last week imposed sanctions on Justice Moraes, accusing him of political bias and overreach—a move Brazilian President Lula called "unacceptable."
In a sharp statement, Lula defended Moraes and denounced foreign meddling:
“The Brazilian government stands in solidarity with [Moraes], who is the target of sanctions motivated by the actions of Brazilian politicians who betray our country and our people.”
Meanwhile, Donald Trump, who has previously voiced support for Bolsonaro, linked new 50% tariffs on Brazilian exports to the ongoing prosecution. The sanctions and tariffs are widely seen as signs of Trump’s backing for his ideological ally in Latin America.
Eduardo Bolsonaro responds to asset freeze
Bolsonaro’s son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, also remains at the center of controversy. Last month, the Supreme Court froze his assets amid suspicions that he is using funds to lobby the Trump administration against Brazil’s democratic institutions.
Eduardo has pushed back, saying:
“This is just another demonstration of abuse of power. I will not be intimidated, and I will not be silenced.”
His comments have added fuel to the fire, reinforcing the perception that the Bolsonaro family is actively leveraging foreign alliances to pressure the Brazilian judiciary.
