US lifts sanctions against Brazilian judge in Bolsonaro case

December 13, 2025

The United States has removed sanctions from Brazilian Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes, who oversaw investigations into former President Jair Bolsonaro's alleged coup attempt following his 2022 election loss. This decision coincides with Brazilian lawmakers advancing legislation that would dramatically reduce Bolsonaro's 27-year prison sentence to under three years. The Trump administration, which previously labeled the Bolsonaro investigation a "witch hunt" and sanctioned Judge de Moraes in July, now welcomes the proposed sentence reduction as addressing what it views as politically motivated legal actions.

Who is affected

Jair Bolsonaro (former Brazilian president serving 27-year sentence)
Alexandre de Moraes (Brazilian Supreme Court Judge who had US sanctions lifted)
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (current Brazilian president)
Conservative Brazilian lawmakers (pushing the bill)
Brazilian senators (must approve the legislation)
US-Brazil diplomatic relations

What action is being taken

The US is lifting sanctions on Judge Alexandre de Moraes
A bill to reduce Bolsonaro's sentence is moving through the Brazilian legislative process (passed lower house, awaiting Senate approval)
The Trump administration is welcoming the legislative effort to reduce Bolsonaro's sentence

Why it matters

This situation represents a significant intersection of international diplomacy and domestic judicial matters, as the US is actively supporting efforts to reduce the sentence of a foreign leader convicted of plotting a coup. The case highlights tensions between judicial independence and political pressure, with the Trump administration framing Brazil's legal proceedings as "weaponizing political differences." The outcome could fundamentally alter the consequences for attempts to undermine democratic transitions and affect the broader relationship between two major Western Hemisphere nations.

What's next

The bill must be approved by Brazilian senators
If passed by the Senate, the legislation would need to be signed into law by President Lula da Silva
A potential political stand-off between Lula and conservative lawmakers over the bill's approval

Read full article from source: BBC