Brazil announced on Tuesday that the United States revoked the visa of Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski, escalating diplomatic tensions linked to the ongoing coup trial of former president Jair Bolsonaro.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva revealed the news during a cabinet meeting, saying Washington’s move was unjustified.
“I wanted to express my solidarity and the government’s solidarity with my colleague (Ricardo) Lewandowski faced with the irresponsible gesture of the United States in revoking his visa,” Lula said.
The US government has not yet officially confirmed the visa cancellation.
US Sanctions and Tariffs on Brazil
Tensions grew further after former US President Donald Trump announced 50% tariffs on multiple Brazilian imports. Washington also sanctioned Judge Alexandre de Moraes, who is presiding over Bolsonaro’s trial, and reportedly revoked visas of several Brazilian Supreme Court justices.
“These attitudes are unacceptable, not only against the minister but against all Supreme Court justices, against any Brazilian figure,” Lula stressed.
In protest, Lula and his ministers wore caps with the message: “Brazil belongs to Brazilians.”
The sanctions came after Eduardo Bolsonaro, Jair Bolsonaro’s son based in the US, lobbied Trump’s administration to punish Brazil’s judiciary. Lula described this as “one of the worst betrayals the country has suffered.”
Dubbed the “Trump of the Tropics”, Bolsonaro is accused of plotting to hold onto power after losing the 2022 elections to Lula. If convicted, the 70-year-old could face up to 40 years in prison.
Bolsonaro denies the charges, calling the trial a political attack designed to block his possible 2026 election comeback. He is currently under house arrest while awaiting the Supreme Court’s verdict, expected next month.
Prosecutors have asked for tighter police surveillance, warning that Bolsonaro may attempt to flee. Reports also surfaced that he once tried to seek asylum in Argentina from President Javier Milei, claiming “political persecution.”
