Bolsonaro placed under house arrest amid coup trial
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Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is under house arrest for violating a social media ban amid his ongoing coup trial.
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People take part in a demonstration to protest former President Jair Bolsonaro's Supreme Court trial where he faces charges for alleged involvement in a 2022 coup attempt, at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been placed under house arrest by the Supreme Court for violating a social media ban, intensifying an already tense legal and political standoff. Bolsonaro stands accused of plotting a coup to remain in power after his 2022 election loss to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is presiding over the trial, issued the house arrest order following Bolsonaro’s "repeated failure" to comply with restrictions. Bolsonaro, 70, is barred from social media during the trial, and third parties are prohibited from sharing his public remarks.
The trigger came Sunday, when Bolsonaro's allies shared online footage of a call between him and his son Flavio Bolsonaro at a solidarity rally in Rio de Janeiro, directly violating court-imposed bans. Moraes responded sharply, stating the judiciary would not be "treated like a fool" due to Bolsonaro's "political and economic power."
Moraes faz mal ao Brasil, ao STF e à nossa democracia. Tentou destruir Bolsonaro, mas reacendeu a esperança de um povo que não se curva a tiranos. O povo está com Bolsonaro, está com a verdade e não aceita perseguição, censura ou ataques à Constituição. pic.twitter.com/Lc9qfAPRjz
— Flavio Bolsonaro (@FlavioBolsonaro) August 3, 2025
In addition to house arrest in his Brasília residence, Bolsonaro is now forbidden from receiving visitors except for legal counsel and from using mobile phones. Authorities also seized several mobile phones from his home on Monday.
US response
The United States was quick to respond. The State Department's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs issued a statement on X condemning the new restrictions:
"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," the bureau posted. "Let Bolsonaro speak!"
Justice Moraes, now a U.S.-sanctioned human rights abuser, continues to use Brazil’s institutions to silence opposition and threaten democracy. Putting even more restrictions on Jair Bolsonaro’s ability to defend himself in public is not a public service. Let Bolsonaro speak!…
— Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (@WHAAsstSecty) August 5, 2025
US officials warned they would "hold accountable all those who collaborate with or facilitate sanctioned conduct."
Eduardo Bolsonaro, Jair Bolsonaro's son and a key political ally, re-shared the post and added, "Brazil is no longer a democracy." He also denounced Moraes as an "out-of-control psychopath."
Trump’s support for Bolsonaro
US President Donald Trump and his administration have demonstrated their support for Bolsonaro. In reaction to Moraes’ actions, Trump interfered in Brazil's affairs by banning the Brazilian judge from entering the US and froze his American bank assets. He also imposed severe tariffs on Brazil, citing what he described as a politically motivated "witch hunt."
At rallies held in Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, and Sao Paulo, demonstrators held signs reading "Thank you Trump" and waved US flags in a show of solidarity with the former Brazilian president.
This Sunday, thousands of Brazilians took to the streets to thank Donald Trump for standing up for freedom in Brazil.
— ∴ Lucas Augusto 🇧🇷 𝕏 (@splucasaugusto) August 3, 2025
When our voices were silenced, he spoke.
Now, the people are roaring back. 🇧🇷🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/cGV7IqDwWE
Bolsonaro's legal battle and political future
Bolsonaro's trial centers on accusations that he and seven co-defendants attempted to overturn the 2022 election results in a failed plot that prosecutors claim faltered due to military non-cooperation. He faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted, with the verdict expected in the coming weeks.
Although currently barred from running for office, many analysts expect Bolsonaro to stage a Trump-style comeback in Brazil's 2026 presidential election.
Following Lula's inauguration in January 2023, Bolsonaro's supporters stormed Brazil's Congress, mirroring the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. Protesters ransacked government buildings and clashed with police in scenes that drew international condemnation.
Despite his legal problems and current restrictions, Bolsonaro continues to command a loyal conservative base. President Lula, now 79, has indicated that he may seek a fourth term, health permitting.
