Rubio Strikes Back: US Bans Brazilian Judge Over Bolsonaro 'Witch Hunt'

Paul Riverbank, 7/22/2025US restricts Brazilian judge's visa amid tensions over Bolsonaro investigation, sparking diplomatic crisis.

I've spent years covering Latin American politics, and I can't recall a similar situation where the U.S. has so directly challenged a sitting judge of Brazil's highest court. The restrictions don't stop with de Moraes; they extend to his associates and family members, marking a significant escalation in what's becoming an increasingly tense diplomatic standoff.

The timing here is fascinating. These restrictions dropped right after Brazilian police raided former President Bolsonaro's home – hardly a coincidence, I'd say. Bolsonaro now finds himself wearing an ankle monitor and living under what Brazilian authorities rather euphemistically call a "semi-open" house arrest protocol.

Let's be clear about something: this isn't just about Bolsonaro. The U.S. State Department's move signals deeper concerns about de Moraes's approach to judicial power. His aggressive stance against what he terms "fake news" has raised eyebrows even among those who support stronger content moderation.

President Lula's response was predictable but noteworthy. He called the U.S. action "arbitrary and completely unfounded" – strong words from a leader who's typically more measured in his diplomatic language. But here's where it gets really interesting: President Trump has now announced a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, set to kick in August 1st.

The restrictions on Bolsonaro are particularly severe. He can't go near embassies (which, rather ironically, limits his access to medical care in Brasília's central district), can't use social media, and can't even communicate with his son Eduardo, who fled to the U.S. seeking political asylum back in March.

Some Brazilian legal experts I've spoken with see these restrictions as unprecedented. Vera Chemim, a constitutional lawyer I interviewed in São Paulo, put it bluntly: Bolsonaro is "completely silenced," and any misstep could land him in preventive detention.

What we're witnessing is more than just a diplomatic spat – it's a clash between different visions of judicial authority and democratic governance. The U.S. response suggests growing concern about the reach of Brazil's judiciary, while Brazilian authorities maintain they're simply upholding the rule of law.

As someone who's covered political developments in both countries for over two decades, I can say this situation is unprecedented in recent memory. It's a reminder that even established democracies can find themselves at odds over fundamental questions of judicial power and political rights.

The diplomatic relationship between the United States and Brazil has taken a dramatic turn. In what many observers are calling an extraordinary break from traditional protocol, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has slapped visa restrictions on Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes – a move that's sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles.I've spent years covering Latin American politics, and I can't recall a similar situation where the U.S. has so directly challenged a sitting judge of Brazil's highest court. The restrictions don't stop with de Moraes; they extend to his associates and family members, marking a significant escalation in what's becoming an increasingly tense diplomatic standoff.The timing here is fascinating. These restrictions dropped right after Brazilian police raided former President Bolsonaro's home – hardly a coincidence, I'd say. Bolsonaro now finds himself wearing an ankle monitor and living under what Brazilian authorities rather euphemistically call a "semi-open" house arrest protocol.Let's be clear about something: this isn't just about Bolsonaro. The U.S. State Department's move signals deeper concerns about de Moraes's approach to judicial power. His aggressive stance against what he terms "fake news" has raised eyebrows even among those who support stronger content moderation.President Lula's response was predictable but noteworthy. He called the U.S. action "arbitrary and completely unfounded" – strong words from a leader who's typically more measured in his diplomatic language. But here's where it gets really interesting: President Trump has now announced a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, set to kick in August 1st.The restrictions on Bolsonaro are particularly severe. He can't go near embassies (which, rather ironically, limits his access to medical care in Brasília's central district), can't use social media, and can't even communicate with his son Eduardo, who fled to the U.S. seeking political asylum back in March.Some Brazilian legal experts I've spoken with see these restrictions as unprecedented. Vera Chemim, a constitutional lawyer I interviewed in São Paulo, put it bluntly: Bolsonaro is "completely silenced," and any misstep could land him in preventive detention.What we're witnessing is more than just a diplomatic spat – it's a clash between different visions of judicial authority and democratic governance. The U.S. response suggests growing concern about the reach of Brazil's judiciary, while Brazilian authorities maintain they're simply upholding the rule of law.As someone who's covered political developments in both countries for over two decades, I can say this situation is unprecedented in recent memory. It's a reminder that even established democracies can find themselves at odds over fundamental questions of judicial power and political rights.