The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative opened a Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s trade practices on 15 July, acting on a direct order from President Donald Trump. The move deepens a rift that began a week earlier, when Trump threatened to levy a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian imports starting 1 August.

USTR chief Jamieson Greer said the inquiry will determine whether Brazil’s policies on digital trade and electronic payment services, preferential tariffs, anti-corruption enforcement, intellectual-property protection, access for U.S. ethanol and efforts to curb illegal deforestation are “unreasonable or discriminatory” and burden American commerce. Stakeholders may file written submissions until 18 August, and a public hearing is scheduled for 3 September.

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U.S. President Donald Trump said he will impose a 50% tariff on all Brazilian imports starting 1 August, the steepest levy in a list that targets more than 20 trading partners. Questioned by reporters about the rationale for the move—even though the United States currently runs a trade surplus with Brazil—Trump replied, “Because I can. Nobody else would be able to do it.”

Trump argued that the tariff would both raise federal revenue and pressure foreign manufacturers to relocate production to the United States. “We want money coming into the U.S.,” he said, adding that companies unwilling to pay the duty could instead “build in the United States” and create domestic jobs.

Read more

Eduardo Bolsonaro, a Brazilian federal deputy, has indicated his intention to remain in the United States and relinquish his mandate in the Chamber of Deputies. He has reportedly sacrificed his parliamentary position to stay in the U.S., where he is engaging with members of the Trump administration to seek sanctions against Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, aiming to pressure for an amnesty for his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro. Eduardo Bolsonaro is not planning to return to Brazil due to fears of political persecution and potential imprisonment. Jair Bolsonaro has publicly defended his son, highlighting Eduardo as the most voted federal deputy in Brazil's history and attributing his exile to political threats.

Meanwhile, Jair Bolsonaro claims he has the influence to prevent a 50% U.S. tariff but requires a direct conversation with former President Donald Trump to do so. However, Bolsonaro currently lacks a valid passport due to accusations related to an attempted coup, limiting his ability to travel. These developments reflect ongoing political tensions between the Bolsonaro family and Brazilian judicial authorities, as well as efforts to influence U.S. trade policy.

A conciliation hearing convened by Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes on 15 July ended without an agreement between the executive branch and Congress over rival decrees that either raise or cancel higher rates of the Imposto sobre Operações Financeiras (IOF). With the talks stalled, Moraes—who já suspended both the presidential decrees 12.466, 12.467 and 12.499 as well as the congressional decree-legislative 176—will now issue a ruling that determines whether the tax increase stands.

Finance Minister Fernando Haddad said he expects Moraes to decide “quickly,” possibly this week, and signalled that the only contentious point may be the taxation of ‘risco sacado’ short-term credit operations, which account for roughly 10 percent of the package, or about R$1.2 billion. The government argues the higher IOF rates are constitutional and needed to help close next year’s budget, projecting about R$12 billion in additional 2025 revenue, while lawmakers say the measure is an improper attempt to boost fiscal intake.

The outcome will clarify the limits of presidential authority to adjust tax rates by decree and the extent of congressional power to overturn such acts, a dispute that has strained relations between Brazil’s branches of government since the decrees were issued in May.

Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies Ethics Council voted 15–3 on Tuesday to suspend the mandate of Congressman André Janones for 90 days, accusing the Avante-MG legislator of breaching parliamentary decorum during a plenary session on 9 July. The Council adopted the recommendation of rapporteur Fausto Santos Jr., who reduced the penalty sought by the chamber’s top board from six to three months, judging the shorter term “proportional” to the offence.

Janones was cited for using insults—classified by the rapporteur as homophobic—against rival lawmaker Nikolas Ferreira (PL-MG) while the latter spoke from the podium, sparking a scuffle that required intervention by the Legislative Police. The suspension takes immediate effect, stripping Janones of his salary of roughly R$46,600 a month, staff and office resources for the duration. He may appeal the ruling to the 513-member plenary within 24 hours.

In a brief appearance before the Council, Janones denied homophobia, claimed he had merely responded to provocations and said he filed a police complaint alleging physical and sexual aggression by PL deputies during the altercation. Tuesday’s decision marks the second time this year the Council has used its fast-track procedure, introduced in 2024, to punish disorderly conduct on the floor.

Valdemar Costa Neto, president of the Liberal Party (PL) in Brazil, testified before the Supreme Federal Court (STF) that he was pressured by fellow party parliamentarians to disclose a report from the Instituto Voto Legal (IVL) that criticized the electronic voting machines used in the 2022 elections. Costa Neto stated that he released the audit report against his will due to political pressure from deputies within the PL who sought to question the integrity of the election results at the Superior Electoral Court. He emphasized that this action caused considerable damage to the PL. The testimony was given in the context of a trial involving defendants accused of participating in a so-called "nucleus 4" coup plot related to the 2022 election results.

Allies of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro have acknowledged political strain resulting from the 50% tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump on Brazilian goods. The tariffs, initially promoted by Trump as a measure to support Bolsonaro, have instead caused frustration within Bolsonaro's right-wing base and the agribusiness sector, leading to fears of political isolation for the ex-president. Bolsonaro's supporters have expressed concern over the negative impact of the tariffs on Brazil's agricultural exports and the broader right-wing coalition. In response to the tariffs and related tensions, Eduardo Bolsonaro has engaged in diplomatic efforts in Washington, including discussions about sanctions against Brazilian officials Alexandre de Moraes and André Gonet. The tariffs have placed Bolsonaro and the Brazilian right in a challenging position, complicating their political and economic strategies amid ongoing disputes with the United States.

Brazilian right-wing politics fractured further after federal deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro intensified public attacks on São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas for seeking direct talks with Washington over the 50% tariff President Donald Trump imposed on Brazilian exports last week. Speaking from Washington, where he has stayed since March, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro called the governor’s approach “subserviência servil às elites” and said Tarcísio lacked “intelligence and respect” for bypassing what he claims is his own privileged access to the White House.

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Brazil’s Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet asked the Supreme Federal Court to deny a full judicial pardon to Lt. Col. Mauro Cid, former aide to ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, alleging that the officer omitted key facts and gave contradictory statements in his plea bargain over an alleged 2022 coup plot.

In a filing that serves as the prosecution’s closing argument, Gonet proposed limiting Cid’s sentencing benefit to a one-third reduction, rejecting the broader two-thirds cut earlier suggested by the Federal Police. The prosecutor said Cid’s selective narrative caused “relevant damage to the public interest” and undermined the integrity of the criminal proceedings, making harsher treatment necessary.

Cid is charged alongside Bolsonaro and seven others with crimes that include leading an armed criminal organisation, attempting to abolish the democratic order and orchestrating a coup. If convicted on all counts he could face up to 43 years in prison. The STF’s First Panel will now decide whether to adopt Gonet’s recommendation and what sentence Cid will ultimately receive.

The Brazilian government under President Lula has allocated approximately R$19.1 million in agreements to a non-governmental organization (NGO) linked to a labor union from the ABC region, associated with the Workers' Party (PT). These funds are reportedly directed toward ideological projects. The Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) has initiated an investigation into these substantial transfers. Separately, investigations have uncovered a fraud scheme involving the National Institute of Social Security (INSS), where an association suspected of fraudulent activities against retirees funneled R$70 million through a funeral home owned by businessman Jose Lins de Alencar Neto.

This businessman is also linked to a company that received R$17.9 million from the same suspicious entity. Additionally, Felipe Macedo Gomes, who donated R$60,000 to former minister Onyx Lorenzoni in 2022, owns the company that received these funds. In political party finance news, the Liberal Party (PL), led by Valdemar Costa Neto, reportedly spent R$49 million on an obscure institute and engaged in a cashback scheme involving rental payments, returning unused funds from the party's budget. Furthermore, it was reported that President Lula's travel expenses amounted to R$15 million over five months.

Carla Zambelli, a Brazilian federal deputy from the Liberal Party (PL-SP), was convicted by the Supreme Federal Court (STF) to 10 years in prison for her involvement in the invasion of the electronic system of the National Council of Justice (CNJ). Following her conviction, Zambelli fled to Italy, where she is currently a fugitive and reportedly plans to run for office in the Italian parliament, leveraging her Italian citizenship. Her legal defense requested an extension and exemption from fines for the delayed return of her functional apartment in Brasília, which she occupied while serving as a deputy. After more than a month on the run, Zambelli’s lawyer returned the keys to the apartment, a 260-square-meter property located in Asa Sul, to the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies.

Despite her absence, her office continues to pay approximately R$120,000 monthly in staff salaries. The Chamber has postponed the analysis of her parliamentary mandate revocation until after the recess. Meanwhile, unrelatedly, Portuguese deputy Cristina Rodrigues was acquitted of charges related to an alleged IT system blackout during her tenure.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has publicly asserted that there is an effort to completely destroy him, making these remarks ahead of a prosecutorial opinion from the Attorney General's Office (PGR) that could lead to his condemnation. The PGR has requested the Supreme Federal Court (STF) to convict Bolsonaro for alleged involvement in a plot to undermine Brazil's democratic order following the 2022 elections, including accusations of attempting a coup d'état. Gleisi Hoffmann, a prominent political figure, accused Bolsonaro of orchestrating a conspiracy against Brazil and collaborating with former U.S. President Donald Trump to impose sanctions aimed at pressuring the STF. Hoffmann suggested that Bolsonaro's fear of condemnation is driving these actions, including the alleged coordination with the United States to coerce Brazil's judiciary.

Brazil’s diplomatic corps held a series of bilateral meetings on 14 July. Acting Foreign Minister Maria Laura da Rocha conferred with Cameroon’s Minister of Defense, Joseph Beti Assomo, as part of efforts to deepen cooperation with the Central African country.

On the same day, Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira received Ireland’s Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris, for talks aimed at strengthening political and economic ties between Brasília and Dublin.

Separately in Tokyo, Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Eri welcomed Ronaldo Caiado, governor of Brazil’s Goiás state, underscoring initiatives planned for the Japan-Brazil Friendship and Exchange Year.

Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro on Monday publicly denied a Jovem Pan report claiming he had told the broadcaster he was “out” of the 2026 elections and that his sons Eduardo and Carlos, as well as former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro, would also be sidelined. In messages released on social media, Bolsonaro said no such conversation took place and labeled the report “untrue.”

Bolsonaro stressed that while he is currently barred from holding public office, he has not withdrawn from political life. He added that Michelle Bolsonaro “has everything to perhaps run for something more important,” contradicting the suggestion that he wanted her removed from contention. Jovem Pan’s journalist Bruno Pinheiro had cited a phone discussion with Bolsonaro to support the original story.

The dispute comes as Bolsonaro faces multiple legal challenges, including a criminal case in which the Prosecutor-General’s Office is expected to present final arguments on alleged efforts to undermine Brazil’s democratic order. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face more than 40 years in prison, adding further uncertainty to his future political role.

Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes clashed with defence lawyer Jeffrey Chiquini on Monday during a hearing in the high-profile criminal case that examines an alleged 2022 plot to overturn the country’s election. Moraes interrupted Chiquini, who represents former presidential adviser Filipe Martins, after the attorney pressed for more time to review newly released evidence. “Enquanto eu falo, o senhor fica quieto” (“While I’m speaking, you stay quiet”), the justice said before muting the lawyer’s microphone and warning, “Se quiser fazer seu teatrinho, faça no X.”

Read more

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has denied the requests to summon Carlos and Eduardo Bolsonaro as witnesses in the criminal case related to the so-called "núcleo 2" of a plot involving attempts to undermine democratic institutions. This decision was confirmed in early July 2025. Subsequently, the Minister of Defense, José Múcio Monteiro, who had been indicated as a witness by the defense of a military defendant in the same case, requested to be excused from testifying. Moraes granted this request, citing that José Múcio claimed to have no knowledge of the facts described in the accusations against the military personnel involved. Additionally, Moraes reprimanded the lawyer of Filipe Martins during a new testimony by witness Cid, indicating ongoing judicial scrutiny in the case.

The president of Brazil’s Superior Tribunal Militar, Minister Maria Elizabeth Rocha, issued a formal note on 14 July expressing “irrestrita solidariedade” and full support for Supreme Court Chief Justice Luís Roberto Barroso after his public letter criticizing the 50% tariff imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Brazilian products.

Rocha said Barroso’s response was “altivo e pedagógico,” stressing that a strong and independent judiciary is constitutionally required to protect national sovereignty and democratic order. She warned against “descabidas e inéditas intromissões externas,” adding that Brazil “precisa de paz” to pursue inclusive development.

Read more

Former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro publicly appealed to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Saturday, reading an open letter during an event in Acre that urged the Brazilian leader to pursue dialogue and “lower the weapons of provocation” following the latest trade clash with Washington.

Michelle Bolsonaro criticised Lula for what she called a “desire for vengeance” and warned that Brazil risks international isolation after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods. She said such sanctions are normally reserved for authoritarian regimes and accused the government of being guided by “sick ideologies” that could damage the country’s reputation and economy.

The letter comes amid an escalating dispute that has roiled ties between Brasília and Washington. Lula responded separately on social media, pledging to adopt measures to protect Brazilian companies and workers while defending the nation’s sovereignty. Trump has said he is willing to speak with Lula “at some point, but not now.”

A Folha de S.Paulo column reported that São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas telephoned several Supreme Federal Court justices to suggest they lift Jair Bolsonaro’s travel ban so the former president could meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington. According to the report, Tarcísio argued that Bolsonaro could persuade Trump to reduce a recently announced 50% tariff on Brazilian exports. The justices deemed the request “out of place” and indicated no authorization would be granted; Bolsonaro’s passport remains in court custody amid investigations into the 8 January insurrection.

Repercussions were swift in Congress. Workers’ Party leader Lindbergh Farias filed a petition on Friday asking STF Justice Alexandre de Moraes to open an inquiry into Tarcísio for alleged obstruction of justice and to consider electronic monitoring of Bolsonaro. Separately, PSOL deputy Guilherme Boulos delivered a representation to the Prosecutor-General’s Office accusing the governor of seeking to facilitate Bolsonaro’s escape and of possible crimes including influence peddling and abuse of authority.

Tarcísio denied to CNN Brasil that he ever contacted the Court on Bolsonaro’s behalf, saying “there was no such request.” The STF has not commented publicly on the allegations or on the new petitions, and no formal investigation has yet been opened.

Brazil’s ruling Workers’ Party (PT) and the opposition Liberal Party (PL) escalated their dispute over the United States’ forthcoming 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, turning the debate into a social-media battle of patriotic slogans. On Friday, the PT rolled out a multimedia campaign titled “Defenda o Brasil”, urging supporters to denounce what it called “false patriots” and blaming former president Jair Bolsonaro for the trade setback. The party’s materials portray Bolsonaro and his allies as having courted Washington at the expense of national interests.

Read more

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative opened a Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s trade practices on 15 July, acting on a direct order from President Donald Trump. The move deepens a rift that began a week earlier, when Trump threatened to levy a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian imports starting 1 August.

USTR chief Jamieson Greer said the inquiry will determine whether Brazil’s policies on digital trade and electronic payment services, preferential tariffs, anti-corruption enforcement, intellectual-property protection, access for U.S. ethanol and efforts to curb illegal deforestation are “unreasonable or discriminatory” and burden American commerce. Stakeholders may file written submissions until 18 August, and a public hearing is scheduled for 3 September.

Read more

U.S. President Donald Trump said he will impose a 50% tariff on all Brazilian imports starting 1 August, the steepest levy in a list that targets more than 20 trading partners. Questioned by reporters about the rationale for the move—even though the United States currently runs a trade surplus with Brazil—Trump replied, “Because I can. Nobody else would be able to do it.”

Trump argued that the tariff would both raise federal revenue and pressure foreign manufacturers to relocate production to the United States. “We want money coming into the U.S.,” he said, adding that companies unwilling to pay the duty could instead “build in the United States” and create domestic jobs.

Read more

Eduardo Bolsonaro, a Brazilian federal deputy, has indicated his intention to remain in the United States and relinquish his mandate in the Chamber of Deputies. He has reportedly sacrificed his parliamentary position to stay in the U.S., where he is engaging with members of the Trump administration to seek sanctions against Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, aiming to pressure for an amnesty for his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro. Eduardo Bolsonaro is not planning to return to Brazil due to fears of political persecution and potential imprisonment. Jair Bolsonaro has publicly defended his son, highlighting Eduardo as the most voted federal deputy in Brazil's history and attributing his exile to political threats.

Meanwhile, Jair Bolsonaro claims he has the influence to prevent a 50% U.S. tariff but requires a direct conversation with former President Donald Trump to do so. However, Bolsonaro currently lacks a valid passport due to accusations related to an attempted coup, limiting his ability to travel. These developments reflect ongoing political tensions between the Bolsonaro family and Brazilian judicial authorities, as well as efforts to influence U.S. trade policy.

A conciliation hearing convened by Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes on 15 July ended without an agreement between the executive branch and Congress over rival decrees that either raise or cancel higher rates of the Imposto sobre Operações Financeiras (IOF). With the talks stalled, Moraes—who já suspended both the presidential decrees 12.466, 12.467 and 12.499 as well as the congressional decree-legislative 176—will now issue a ruling that determines whether the tax increase stands.

Finance Minister Fernando Haddad said he expects Moraes to decide “quickly,” possibly this week, and signalled that the only contentious point may be the taxation of ‘risco sacado’ short-term credit operations, which account for roughly 10 percent of the package, or about R$1.2 billion. The government argues the higher IOF rates are constitutional and needed to help close next year’s budget, projecting about R$12 billion in additional 2025 revenue, while lawmakers say the measure is an improper attempt to boost fiscal intake.

The outcome will clarify the limits of presidential authority to adjust tax rates by decree and the extent of congressional power to overturn such acts, a dispute that has strained relations between Brazil’s branches of government since the decrees were issued in May.

Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies Ethics Council voted 15–3 on Tuesday to suspend the mandate of Congressman André Janones for 90 days, accusing the Avante-MG legislator of breaching parliamentary decorum during a plenary session on 9 July. The Council adopted the recommendation of rapporteur Fausto Santos Jr., who reduced the penalty sought by the chamber’s top board from six to three months, judging the shorter term “proportional” to the offence.

Janones was cited for using insults—classified by the rapporteur as homophobic—against rival lawmaker Nikolas Ferreira (PL-MG) while the latter spoke from the podium, sparking a scuffle that required intervention by the Legislative Police. The suspension takes immediate effect, stripping Janones of his salary of roughly R$46,600 a month, staff and office resources for the duration. He may appeal the ruling to the 513-member plenary within 24 hours.

In a brief appearance before the Council, Janones denied homophobia, claimed he had merely responded to provocations and said he filed a police complaint alleging physical and sexual aggression by PL deputies during the altercation. Tuesday’s decision marks the second time this year the Council has used its fast-track procedure, introduced in 2024, to punish disorderly conduct on the floor.

Valdemar Costa Neto, president of the Liberal Party (PL) in Brazil, testified before the Supreme Federal Court (STF) that he was pressured by fellow party parliamentarians to disclose a report from the Instituto Voto Legal (IVL) that criticized the electronic voting machines used in the 2022 elections. Costa Neto stated that he released the audit report against his will due to political pressure from deputies within the PL who sought to question the integrity of the election results at the Superior Electoral Court. He emphasized that this action caused considerable damage to the PL. The testimony was given in the context of a trial involving defendants accused of participating in a so-called "nucleus 4" coup plot related to the 2022 election results.

Allies of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro have acknowledged political strain resulting from the 50% tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump on Brazilian goods. The tariffs, initially promoted by Trump as a measure to support Bolsonaro, have instead caused frustration within Bolsonaro's right-wing base and the agribusiness sector, leading to fears of political isolation for the ex-president. Bolsonaro's supporters have expressed concern over the negative impact of the tariffs on Brazil's agricultural exports and the broader right-wing coalition. In response to the tariffs and related tensions, Eduardo Bolsonaro has engaged in diplomatic efforts in Washington, including discussions about sanctions against Brazilian officials Alexandre de Moraes and André Gonet. The tariffs have placed Bolsonaro and the Brazilian right in a challenging position, complicating their political and economic strategies amid ongoing disputes with the United States.

Brazilian right-wing politics fractured further after federal deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro intensified public attacks on São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas for seeking direct talks with Washington over the 50% tariff President Donald Trump imposed on Brazilian exports last week. Speaking from Washington, where he has stayed since March, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro called the governor’s approach “subserviência servil às elites” and said Tarcísio lacked “intelligence and respect” for bypassing what he claims is his own privileged access to the White House.

Read more

Brazil’s Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet asked the Supreme Federal Court to deny a full judicial pardon to Lt. Col. Mauro Cid, former aide to ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, alleging that the officer omitted key facts and gave contradictory statements in his plea bargain over an alleged 2022 coup plot.

In a filing that serves as the prosecution’s closing argument, Gonet proposed limiting Cid’s sentencing benefit to a one-third reduction, rejecting the broader two-thirds cut earlier suggested by the Federal Police. The prosecutor said Cid’s selective narrative caused “relevant damage to the public interest” and undermined the integrity of the criminal proceedings, making harsher treatment necessary.

Cid is charged alongside Bolsonaro and seven others with crimes that include leading an armed criminal organisation, attempting to abolish the democratic order and orchestrating a coup. If convicted on all counts he could face up to 43 years in prison. The STF’s First Panel will now decide whether to adopt Gonet’s recommendation and what sentence Cid will ultimately receive.

The Brazilian government under President Lula has allocated approximately R$19.1 million in agreements to a non-governmental organization (NGO) linked to a labor union from the ABC region, associated with the Workers' Party (PT). These funds are reportedly directed toward ideological projects. The Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) has initiated an investigation into these substantial transfers. Separately, investigations have uncovered a fraud scheme involving the National Institute of Social Security (INSS), where an association suspected of fraudulent activities against retirees funneled R$70 million through a funeral home owned by businessman Jose Lins de Alencar Neto.

This businessman is also linked to a company that received R$17.9 million from the same suspicious entity. Additionally, Felipe Macedo Gomes, who donated R$60,000 to former minister Onyx Lorenzoni in 2022, owns the company that received these funds. In political party finance news, the Liberal Party (PL), led by Valdemar Costa Neto, reportedly spent R$49 million on an obscure institute and engaged in a cashback scheme involving rental payments, returning unused funds from the party's budget. Furthermore, it was reported that President Lula's travel expenses amounted to R$15 million over five months.

Carla Zambelli, a Brazilian federal deputy from the Liberal Party (PL-SP), was convicted by the Supreme Federal Court (STF) to 10 years in prison for her involvement in the invasion of the electronic system of the National Council of Justice (CNJ). Following her conviction, Zambelli fled to Italy, where she is currently a fugitive and reportedly plans to run for office in the Italian parliament, leveraging her Italian citizenship. Her legal defense requested an extension and exemption from fines for the delayed return of her functional apartment in Brasília, which she occupied while serving as a deputy. After more than a month on the run, Zambelli’s lawyer returned the keys to the apartment, a 260-square-meter property located in Asa Sul, to the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies.

Despite her absence, her office continues to pay approximately R$120,000 monthly in staff salaries. The Chamber has postponed the analysis of her parliamentary mandate revocation until after the recess. Meanwhile, unrelatedly, Portuguese deputy Cristina Rodrigues was acquitted of charges related to an alleged IT system blackout during her tenure.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has publicly asserted that there is an effort to completely destroy him, making these remarks ahead of a prosecutorial opinion from the Attorney General's Office (PGR) that could lead to his condemnation. The PGR has requested the Supreme Federal Court (STF) to convict Bolsonaro for alleged involvement in a plot to undermine Brazil's democratic order following the 2022 elections, including accusations of attempting a coup d'état. Gleisi Hoffmann, a prominent political figure, accused Bolsonaro of orchestrating a conspiracy against Brazil and collaborating with former U.S. President Donald Trump to impose sanctions aimed at pressuring the STF. Hoffmann suggested that Bolsonaro's fear of condemnation is driving these actions, including the alleged coordination with the United States to coerce Brazil's judiciary.

Brazil’s diplomatic corps held a series of bilateral meetings on 14 July. Acting Foreign Minister Maria Laura da Rocha conferred with Cameroon’s Minister of Defense, Joseph Beti Assomo, as part of efforts to deepen cooperation with the Central African country.

On the same day, Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira received Ireland’s Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris, for talks aimed at strengthening political and economic ties between Brasília and Dublin.

Separately in Tokyo, Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Eri welcomed Ronaldo Caiado, governor of Brazil’s Goiás state, underscoring initiatives planned for the Japan-Brazil Friendship and Exchange Year.

Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro on Monday publicly denied a Jovem Pan report claiming he had told the broadcaster he was “out” of the 2026 elections and that his sons Eduardo and Carlos, as well as former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro, would also be sidelined. In messages released on social media, Bolsonaro said no such conversation took place and labeled the report “untrue.”

Bolsonaro stressed that while he is currently barred from holding public office, he has not withdrawn from political life. He added that Michelle Bolsonaro “has everything to perhaps run for something more important,” contradicting the suggestion that he wanted her removed from contention. Jovem Pan’s journalist Bruno Pinheiro had cited a phone discussion with Bolsonaro to support the original story.

The dispute comes as Bolsonaro faces multiple legal challenges, including a criminal case in which the Prosecutor-General’s Office is expected to present final arguments on alleged efforts to undermine Brazil’s democratic order. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face more than 40 years in prison, adding further uncertainty to his future political role.

Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes clashed with defence lawyer Jeffrey Chiquini on Monday during a hearing in the high-profile criminal case that examines an alleged 2022 plot to overturn the country’s election. Moraes interrupted Chiquini, who represents former presidential adviser Filipe Martins, after the attorney pressed for more time to review newly released evidence. “Enquanto eu falo, o senhor fica quieto” (“While I’m speaking, you stay quiet”), the justice said before muting the lawyer’s microphone and warning, “Se quiser fazer seu teatrinho, faça no X.”

Read more

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has denied the requests to summon Carlos and Eduardo Bolsonaro as witnesses in the criminal case related to the so-called "núcleo 2" of a plot involving attempts to undermine democratic institutions. This decision was confirmed in early July 2025. Subsequently, the Minister of Defense, José Múcio Monteiro, who had been indicated as a witness by the defense of a military defendant in the same case, requested to be excused from testifying. Moraes granted this request, citing that José Múcio claimed to have no knowledge of the facts described in the accusations against the military personnel involved. Additionally, Moraes reprimanded the lawyer of Filipe Martins during a new testimony by witness Cid, indicating ongoing judicial scrutiny in the case.

The president of Brazil’s Superior Tribunal Militar, Minister Maria Elizabeth Rocha, issued a formal note on 14 July expressing “irrestrita solidariedade” and full support for Supreme Court Chief Justice Luís Roberto Barroso after his public letter criticizing the 50% tariff imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Brazilian products.

Rocha said Barroso’s response was “altivo e pedagógico,” stressing that a strong and independent judiciary is constitutionally required to protect national sovereignty and democratic order. She warned against “descabidas e inéditas intromissões externas,” adding that Brazil “precisa de paz” to pursue inclusive development.

Read more

Former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro publicly appealed to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Saturday, reading an open letter during an event in Acre that urged the Brazilian leader to pursue dialogue and “lower the weapons of provocation” following the latest trade clash with Washington.

Michelle Bolsonaro criticised Lula for what she called a “desire for vengeance” and warned that Brazil risks international isolation after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods. She said such sanctions are normally reserved for authoritarian regimes and accused the government of being guided by “sick ideologies” that could damage the country’s reputation and economy.

The letter comes amid an escalating dispute that has roiled ties between Brasília and Washington. Lula responded separately on social media, pledging to adopt measures to protect Brazilian companies and workers while defending the nation’s sovereignty. Trump has said he is willing to speak with Lula “at some point, but not now.”

A Folha de S.Paulo column reported that São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas telephoned several Supreme Federal Court justices to suggest they lift Jair Bolsonaro’s travel ban so the former president could meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington. According to the report, Tarcísio argued that Bolsonaro could persuade Trump to reduce a recently announced 50% tariff on Brazilian exports. The justices deemed the request “out of place” and indicated no authorization would be granted; Bolsonaro’s passport remains in court custody amid investigations into the 8 January insurrection.

Repercussions were swift in Congress. Workers’ Party leader Lindbergh Farias filed a petition on Friday asking STF Justice Alexandre de Moraes to open an inquiry into Tarcísio for alleged obstruction of justice and to consider electronic monitoring of Bolsonaro. Separately, PSOL deputy Guilherme Boulos delivered a representation to the Prosecutor-General’s Office accusing the governor of seeking to facilitate Bolsonaro’s escape and of possible crimes including influence peddling and abuse of authority.

Tarcísio denied to CNN Brasil that he ever contacted the Court on Bolsonaro’s behalf, saying “there was no such request.” The STF has not commented publicly on the allegations or on the new petitions, and no formal investigation has yet been opened.

Brazil’s ruling Workers’ Party (PT) and the opposition Liberal Party (PL) escalated their dispute over the United States’ forthcoming 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, turning the debate into a social-media battle of patriotic slogans. On Friday, the PT rolled out a multimedia campaign titled “Defenda o Brasil”, urging supporters to denounce what it called “false patriots” and blaming former president Jair Bolsonaro for the trade setback. The party’s materials portray Bolsonaro and his allies as having courted Washington at the expense of national interests.

Read more