The United States has lifted sanctions against Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who previously faced penalties for his role in a significant criminal case involving former President Jair Bolsonaro. This decision, announced by the U.S. Treasury Department, marks a notable change in U.S.-Brazil relations under the current administration, shifting away from a more adversarial approach to a friendlier stance towards President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
The sanctions against De Moraes were enacted in July under the Global Magnitsky Act, stemming from his involvement in the conviction of Bolsonaro for attempting a coup following his loss in the 2022 presidential elections. During this time, former President Donald Trump described the trial as a “witch hunt,” alleging that De Moraes wielded legal authority to stifle dissent.
Alongside the lifting of sanctions on De Moraes, the U.S. has also revoked penalties on his wife, Viviane Barci, and the Lex Institute, an organization linked to her. This move follows a broader trend of easing previous aggressive tariffs on Brazilian imports, signaling a thawing of relations between the two countries.
This policy shift comes on the heels of a vote by Brazilian lawmakers to significantly reduce sentences for Bolsonaro and others convicted of anti-democratic actions following the elections. The proposed legislation has progressed to the Brazilian Senate, where it is expected to face scrutiny, particularly from Lula’s administration and the Supreme Court. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has indicated support for this legislative move, framing it as a step towards remedying the misuse of judicial processes for political purposes.
A senior official from the Trump administration stated that keeping sanctions against De Moraes would not align with the United States’ foreign policy objectives. They expressed optimism regarding the Brazilian amnesty legislation, viewing it as a sign of improving legal conditions within Brazil.
In a constructive dialogue, Trump and Lula recently discussed sanctions during what was described as a productive phone call, thus laying the groundwork for a renewed partnership after a historically strained period. Brazil’s institutional relations minister, Gleisi Hoffmann, hailed the lifting of sanctions as a significant victory for Brazil and credited Lula’s diplomatic efforts for this development.
Despite the generally positive outlook, Eduardo Bolsonaro, the son of the former president and a prominent advocate for U.S. pressure on Brazil’s judiciary, voiced his dissatisfaction with the decision. Yet he recognized Trump’s backing during this time, lamenting the lifting of sanctions.
These recent developments highlight a possible transformation in Brazilian political dynamics and American foreign policy, suggesting a potential pathway for enhanced collaboration between Brazil and the United States amid a landscape marked by historical complexities. The evolving relationship may usher in increased cooperation that can benefit both nations moving forward.