Brazilian police raid home of ex-President Bolsonaro, seizing cash and ordering him to limit foreign contacts

Brazilian authorities raided the home and political headquarters of former President Jair Bolsonaro early Friday morning. The operation is part of an ongoing investigation into his alleged role in attempting to overturn the 2022 election results.

Officers ordered Bolsonaro to wear an electronic ankle monitor and barred him from contacting foreign officials. The courts also banned him from using social media while the investigation continues.

CNN Brazil reported that police seized an unspecified amount of U.S. currency during the operation.

Bolsonaro is currently on trial for allegedly plotting a coup to retain power after his election loss in 2022. If convicted, the former president could face more than 40 years in prison. He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

The raid deepens a political crisis already spilling over into Brazil’s foreign relations especially with the United States.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently weighed in on the case. Last week, he threatened to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports starting August 1. He said the measure was in response to what he called a “witch hunt” trial against Bolsonaro.

Trump posted the threat on his platform, Truth Social, accusing Brazilian authorities of treating Bolsonaro unfairly. In a letter shared on the platform, he wrote, “This is nothing more than political persecution.”

Speaking exclusively to CNN on Thursday, Brazil’s current president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva rejected Trump’s intervention. Lula said the judiciary must remain independent of political pressure.

"The judiciary branch in Brazil is independent," Lula said. “The president has no influence over the courts.”

He added, “Bolsonaro is not being judged as a person. He is being judged for trying to orchestrate a coup d’état.”

Lula also said Trump would be under trial in Brazil if he had attempted something similar to the January 6 Capitol riot.

“He would be in court here, as Bolsonaro is now,” Lula stated.

The latest developments escalate what was already a tense diplomatic relationship between Brazil and the U.S.

Bolsonaro responded to Trump’s public letter with a video on X, formerly Twitter, expressing “eternal gratitude.” He reposted Trump’s letter and thanked him for standing by his side during what he called a time of “injustice.”

Brazilian analysts warn that Trump’s statements could complicate trade and diplomatic efforts between the two nations.

“Trump’s message was an unusual and aggressive form of interference,” said Dr. Renata Alves, a political science professor at the University of São Paulo. “If he wins in 2024, U.S.-Brazil relations could face serious strain.”

According to Reuters, more than half of Brazilians support the investigation into Bolsonaro. Many see the trial as a test of the country’s democracy.

“We must show that no one is above the law,” Lula said. “Whether it’s a current president or a former one.”

The Brazilian Supreme Federal Court has yet to announce a timeline for the conclusion of the trial. However, experts expect key rulings before the year ends.

In the meantime, Bolsonaro remains under tight legal restrictions. His public appearances have been limited, and his political future remains uncertain.

As Brazil moves deeper into the investigation, the world is watching. So is Trump.

‍