Lula Addresses U.S. Sanctions on Brazilian Officials, Seeks Swift Resolution with Trump
President Lula discusses U.S. sanctions against Brazilian Supreme Court ministers under the Magnitsky Act, affirming the matter is a political issue to be resolved with Trump and expressing optimism over ongoing tariff negotiations.
- • Supreme Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes and others sanctioned under the U.S. Magnitsky Act.
- • Lula considers the sanctions a political issue to be resolved directly with Trump.
- • Lula optimistic about a quick tariff agreement with the U.S.
- • Discussion also included former President Bolsonaro’s legal situation.
- • Lula views sanctions as unjust, affirming Brazilian judiciary’s respect for due process.
Key details
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has responded firmly to the recent sanctions imposed by the United States on several Brazilian officials, including Supreme Court ministers, under the Magnitsky Act. The sanctions led to the revocation of visas for key figures such as Supreme Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes and his wife, Viviane de Moraes, as well as other ministers, health authorities, and Jorge Messias, the Attorney General of the Union. Lula characterized the sanctions as a political issue that he expects to resolve directly with then-U.S. President Donald Trump, stating the matter "will be resolved between Trump and me."
During a press conference held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Lula expressed optimism that a quick solution regarding ongoing tariff discussions with the U.S. could be reached within days. This diplomatic dialogue also touched upon the legal challenges facing former President Jair Bolsonaro, whom Lula described as part of the past with "strong evidence" against him.
Lula voiced his concerns about the strained Venezuela-U.S. relations and offered Brazil's mediation to facilitate negotiations, emphasizing his commitment to regional stability. Regarding the sanctions under the Magnitsky Act, which is designed to penalize foreign officials suspected of human rights abuses and corruption, Lula asserted that applying the law to Brazil’s Supreme Court ministers was "unjust," given the ministers’ respect for due process and perceived absence of persecution.
This series of developments illustrates mounting tensions between Brazil's judiciary and executive branches and highlights Lula's proactive approach in managing diplomatic relations with the U.S. while defending the sovereignty and judicial independence of Brazilian institutions. Lula’s direct engagement with Trump underscores his strategy to address these sanctions through high-level dialogue and negotiation.