U.S. President Donald J. Trump has publicly defended Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro, calling the legal actions against him a “terrible thing” and describing them as a politically motivated “witch hunt.”
In a strong statement posted on his official social media handle, President Trump criticized the Brazilian government’s treatment of Bolsonaro. He said Bolsonaro is being unfairly targeted despite doing nothing wrong. “He is not guilty of anything, except having fought for the people,” Trump wrote.
The U.S. President expressed concern over how Bolsonaro has been attacked for years. “They have done nothing but come after him day after day, night after night, year after year,” Trump said, claiming that the Brazilian leader is facing similar political persecution that he himself experienced in the past.
President Trump praised Bolsonaro as a “strong leader” and “tough negotiator on trade” who “truly loved his country.” He also claimed that Bolsonaro is now “leading in the polls” and suggested the investigations are only happening because he is a strong political opponent.
“This is nothing more, or less, than an attack on a political opponent — something I know much about,” Trump said, pointing out that similar situations had happened to him. “It happened to me, times 10,” he added.
Trump warned that the people of Brazil “will not stand” for what is happening to their former president and promised to closely watch what he called a “witch hunt” against Bolsonaro, his family, and his supporters.
“The only trial that should be happening is a trial by the voters of Brazil — it’s called an election,” Trump stated. He ended his message with a strong call: “Leave Bolsonaro alone!”
Background
Jair Bolsonaro, who served as President of Brazil from 2019 to 2022, is facing multiple investigations in Brazil. Authorities are looking into accusations related to abuse of power, spreading false information, and trying to overturn election results. Bolsonaro has denied all charges.
President Trump and Bolsonaro have shared a close political relationship and similar ideologies. Both leaders have claimed to be victims of political attacks and have strong support bases that view them as champions of conservative values.
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