Brasília, Brazil – Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, will face trial over allegations that he lobbied former US President Donald Trump to interfere in his father’s court case, according to a majority vote by a Brazilian Supreme Court panel.

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Background

Jair Bolsonaro, who governed Brazil from 2019 to 2023, was sentenced in September to over 27 years in prison for allegedly plotting to overturn the 2022 election through a coup attempt. Eduardo Bolsonaro, a federal deputy and one of his father’s staunch defenders, traveled frequently to the US after the election, meeting Trump and Republican officials.

In March 2025, Eduardo announced plans to move to the US full-time to advocate for his father, stating: “I will focus 100 percent of my time on this single cause: to seek justice.”

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Obstruction Charges

The Supreme Court panel found sufficient evidence that Eduardo may have engaged in illegal pressure tactics, including threats and lobbying, aimed at influencing Brazilian authorities and the judiciary. Justice Alexandre de Moraes wrote that Eduardo’s actions appeared intended to create “institutional and social instability” and could harm Brazil’s economy.

Eduardo faces potential penalties of up to four years in prison and fines if convicted.

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Trump Involvement and Sanctions

Eduardo’s lobbying coincided with Trump’s public support for Jair Bolsonaro:

• July 2025: Trump criticized Brazil’s handling of the case and threatened tariffs.
• Executive Order: Declared Brazil’s actions a “national emergency” and threat to US interests.
• Sanctions: Justice de Moraes and family were targeted under the Global Magnitsky Act; measures later expanded.
• Tariffs: By August, Trump implemented 50% tariffs on many Brazilian exports.

Eduardo Bolsonaro has publicly supported Trump’s actions, calling the sanctions and tariffs justified.

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Eduardo Bolsonaro Responds

Eduardo denounced the Supreme Court panel’s decision as a “WITCH HUNT”, claiming he had no control over the US sanctions or tariffs. He also suggested that Justice de Moraes is using Brazil’s “clean record law” to bar him from future office.

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Next Steps

The Supreme Court panel’s vote to proceed with Eduardo Bolsonaro’s trial was decided 3-2, and final voting on the matter is set to conclude by November 25, 2025.

Meanwhile, Jair Bolsonaro remains under house arrest while appealing his conviction, after the court recently rejected attempts to reduce his sentence.