Brazilian Judge Places Former President Bolsonaro Under House Arrest

A Brazilian Supreme Court judge on Monday placed former president Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest after he violated a court-imposed social media ban, escalating tensions between the judiciary and the far-right politician, who is on trial for allegedly plotting a coup.

Bolsonaro, 70, is currently being prosecuted for allegedly attempting to retain power after his defeat in the 2022 presidential election to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. As part of the ongoing trial, Bolsonaro is prohibited from using social media, and third parties are barred from broadcasting or sharing his public statements.

However, on Sunday, Bolsonaro’s allies shared footage online of a call between him and his eldest son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, during a solidarity rally held in Rio de Janeiro—directly violating the court’s restrictions.

Reacting to the breach, Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes condemned Bolsonaro’s “repeated failure” to comply with judicial orders.

“The judiciary will not allow a defendant to treat it like a fool because of his political and economic power,” Moraes stated.

In response, he ordered Bolsonaro to remain under house arrest at his residence in the capital, Brasília. The order also bars the former president from receiving visitors, except his legal team, and from using any mobile devices. Police later confirmed that several phones were seized from Bolsonaro’s home on Monday.

Moraes warned that further violations of the court’s directives would result in Bolsonaro being taken into custody.

US Condemnation and Fallout

The United States reacted swiftly and critically to the latest developments. On Monday night, the State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter), saying: “Minister Alexandre de Moraes, already sanctioned by the United States for human rights violations, continues to use Brazilian institutions to silence the opposition and threaten democracy. Let Bolsonaro speak!”

US officials added they would “hold accountable all those who collaborate with or facilitate sanctioned conduct.”

The post was re-shared by Bolsonaro’s son, Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, who had previously lobbied Washington to take action over the case. In a separate post, Eduardo wrote: “Brazil is no longer a democracy,”calling Moraes an“out-of-control psychopath.”

Justice Moraes, who has positioned himself as a defender of Brazil’s democratic institutions against the far-right, ordered additional restrictions on Bolsonaro last month, including the use of an ankle monitor and a broader social media blackout.

Trump Intervenes

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, a close ally of Bolsonaro, has taken an unusual step by personally sanctioning Moraes. Trump banned the Brazilian judge from entering the United States and froze any assets he held in American financial institutions.

Trump also criticized what he described as a politically motivated “witch hunt” against Bolsonaro and retaliated by imposing steep tariffs on Brazilian goods—a move that has strained relations between the two countries.

Despite the controversy, Trump’s actions have resonated with Bolsonaro’s conservative base. At rallies held Sunday in Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, and São Paulo, demonstrators waved U.S. flags and held signs reading: “Thank you Trump.”

Bolsonaro did not attend the rallies in person due to existing court restrictions, which require him to stay home during nights and weekends while on trial.

Coup Allegations and 2026 Ambitions

Prosecutors accuse Bolsonaro and seven co-conspirators of attempting to overturn the 2022 election results. According to them, the alleged plot failed largely because Brazil’s military leadership refused to support the effort.

If convicted, Bolsonaro could face up to 40 years in prison. The trial is expected to conclude within weeks.

Following Lula’s inauguration in January 2023, Bolsonaro supporters stormed the Brazilian Congress, attacking police and vandalizing government property—an incident that drew global comparisons to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot in the United States.

Although barred from running for office due to legal sanctions, Bolsonaro is reportedly eyeing a political comeback in Brazil’s 2026 presidential election, mirroring Trump’s attempt to return to power.

President Lula, now 79, has not ruled out seeking a fourth term, though his ability to run may depend on his health. He was hospitalized last year after suffering a brain hemorrhage from a fall.