The U.S. Embassy in Brazil has caught the Lula administration by surprise by issuing a statement on Wednesday, July 9, affirming President Donald Trump’s support for Jair Bolsonaro. In the statement, the American embassy emphasized that “Bolsonaro and his family have been strong partners of the United States” and criticized what it described as “political persecution” against him, labeling it “shameful” and disrespectful to Brazil’s democratic traditions.
The embassy reiterated support for Trump’s stance, stating that they are closely monitoring the situation surrounding Bolsonaro and his family, while clarifying they would not comment on specific actions the State Department might take. This announcement followed an inquiry from Metrópoles directed at the American State Department in Washington, which resulted in a request for the embassy in Brazil to respond.
The statement has sparked a reaction from the Brazilian government, with the Itamaraty summoning the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, Gabriel Escobar, to provide explanations. Currently, he serves as the highest authority at the U.S. embassy in Brazil due to the absence of an ambassador for several months.
This development reflects ongoing political tensions in Brazil and highlights the complexities of international relations, especially concerning support for political figures. The assertion of partnership between the U.S. and Bolsonaro’s family might influence future diplomatic interactions. Overall, this situation could be seen as a critical moment in U.S.-Brazil relations, opening the door for further discussions on mutual interests and cooperation.