Brazil’s ex-president Jair Bolsonaro is pinning his hopes for a political resurgence on the return of Donald Trump to the US presidency. According to a recent Wall Street Journal interview, Bolsonaro believes Trump’s influence could be instrumental in his bid for the 2026 Brazilian elections. This comes despite Bolsonaro facing serious legal challenges, including accusations of involvement in a plot to overthrow the current government.
The article reveals Bolsonaro’s strategy hinges on Trump pressuring Brazilian judicial authorities to delay or overturn a court ruling that prohibits him from holding public office until 2030. This ruling stems from Bolsonaro’s repeated and unfounded claims of electoral fraud during the 2022 election, which he ultimately lost to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro’s optimistic statement, “Trump is back, and it’s a sign we’ll be back too,” underscores his belief in a Trump-backed political comeback.
The Wall Street Journal report highlights the close relationship between Bolsonaro and Trump since Trump’s November election victory. While a spokesperson for Trump’s incoming administration declined to comment on the matter, the implication is clear: Bolsonaro is actively leveraging this connection to navigate his precarious legal situation.
Bolsonaro, often dubbed the “Tropical Trump” due to his populist, hard-right policies during his 2019-2023 presidency, remains highly active in Brazilian politics. He recently campaigned for the right-wing Liberal Party in October’s municipal elections, maintaining a strong presence despite his legal troubles. Echoing Trump’s own rhetoric, Bolsonaro attributes his legal battles to politically motivated persecution.
The accusations against Bolsonaro are severe. Brazilian police allege his involvement in a 2022 plot aimed at preventing Lula da Silva from assuming the presidency. Furthermore, he’s accused of knowing about an alleged plan to assassinate the incumbent president. These accusations, detailed in a police report involving 36 co-conspirators, are currently under review by Brazil’s attorney general to determine if sufficient evidence exists for formal charges.
The situation highlights a complex interplay of domestic and international politics. Bolsonaro’s reliance on Trump underscores the global implications of such alliances and the potential influence of foreign actors in Brazilian political affairs. The coming months will be crucial in determining the trajectory of both Bolsonaro’s legal battles and his ambitious plans for a return to power in 2026. The outcome could significantly reshape the political landscape of Brazil for years to come. The success or failure of this strategy will likely depend on the willingness of the Brazilian judiciary to resist potential external pressure, and the extent to which Trump chooses to engage in Bolsonaro’s cause.
