Recent reports indicate that US President-elect Donald Trump is considering imposing economic sanctions on Brazil.
Former President Jair Bolsonaro (PL) presented an explanation last Monday (13) to Minister Alexandre de Moraes, of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), about the invitation received for the inauguration of the elected president of the United States, Donald Trump.
Bolsonaro stated that he received an email from the event's ceremonial staff, which he considered to be the “official invitation“The inauguration is scheduled for January 20, in Washington.
Bolsonaro's situation, however, is delicate. With his passport withheld by court order, the former president needs authorization from the Supreme Court to travel abroad. Alexandre de Moraes, before making any decision, requested concrete proof that Bolsonaro is actually on the guest list.
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In the ruling, Moraes highlighted the lack of information in the document presented. “The message was sent to Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro's email from an unidentified address (…) and without any time or schedule for the event to be held.”, the minister pointed out.
Relations between Trump and Bolsonaro on the radar
Meanwhile, sources close to Donald Trump's administration have expressed concern about the unfolding situation. According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), the Brazilian government's stance on Bolsonaro could impact relations with the Trump administration, which is already facing tensions with left-leaning governments.
Members of Trump's team believe that Bolsonaro's ban from traveling to the inauguration could be interpreted as a “legal framework“similar to the one Trump claims to face in the United States.”The worst way for the Lula government to start its relationship with the Trump administration is by using the state apparatus against its political rivals.“, said a source close to the president-elect.
Possible sanctions in sight
The WSJ also reported that Trump would be considering applying trade tariffs against Brazil, as well as other countries that, in his view, use “lawfare” practices – a term that refers to the use of legal instruments to target political opponents.
The diplomatic tension arises at an already turbulent time, where internal political issues in Brazil and the United States end up reverberating internationally.
Bolsonaro, in turn, remains awaiting a decision from the STF that could define whether or not he will be present at the event.