Trump Ally Detained, Tagged Over Asylum Fears

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has had an electronic tag fitted to his ankle by the authorities over fears he could flee to the United States and seek asylum from his ally, President Donald Trump.

Bolsonaro's press office confirmed the tag had been fitted. Bolsonaro is accused of plotting a coup in 2022 to overturn Brazil's left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's election. He is on trial in the country's Supreme Court.

Trump had previously written to Lula to say that Brazil would face a 50 percent tariff from the U.S. after August 1, 2025, after the two sides failed to reach a new trade deal during Trump's pause of his reciprocal tariffs, first imposed in April.

He tied those tariffs to Bolsonaro's case, referring to it in his opening paragraph and calling the trial an "international disgrace" and a "Witch Hunt."

The U.S. president has also threatened an additional 10 percent tariffs on "Any Country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS," the group of developing economies of which Brazil is a key member.

Bolsonaro's Home Raided by Police

The tag development came as federal police conducted searches at Bolsonaro's home and his party's headquarters in Brasília, people familiar with the court order told the Associated Press.

A police statement said that officers in Brasília carried out "two search and seizure warrants, in addition to precautionary measures other than arrest, in compliance with a decision by the Supreme Court." The statement did not name Bolsonaro.

Local media reported that Bolsonaro is also barred from using social media or contacting other individuals under investigation by the Supreme Federal Court, including his son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, a Brazilian lawmaker who currently lives in the U.S. and is known for his close ties to Trump.

Trump Decries 'Terrible Treatment' of Bolsonaro

Trump wrote a letter addressed to Bolsonaro expressing support and criticizing the "terrible treatment you are receiving at the hands of an unjust system turned against you," which he shared on Truth Social on Thursday.

Brazil's Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet said in a report to the Supreme Court that the "evidence is clear: the defendant acted systematically, throughout his mandate and after his defeat at the polls, to incite insurrection and the destabilization of the democratic rule of law."

Bolsonaro has described the trial on X as a "witch hunt," echoing the term used by Trump when he came to his South American ally's defense.

"This trial should end immediately!" Trump said in his letter to Bolsonaro.

"I shared your commitment to listening to the voice of the people and I am very concerned about the attacks on free speech—both in Brazil and in the United States — coming out of the current government.

"I have strongly voiced my disapproval both publicly and through our Tariff policy.

"It is my sincere hope that the Government of Brazil changes course, stops attacking political opponents, and ends their ridiculous censorship regime. I will be watching closely."

Trump has compared the Brazilian's situation to his own, having faced numerous legal challenges, including cases related to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by a mob of his supporters who sought to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Brazil's Lula Responds to Trump

Brazil's president responded to Trump in a July 10 statement posted to social media.

"Brazil is a sovereign nation with independent institutions and will not accept any form of tutelage," Lula said.

"The judicial proceedings against those responsible for planning the coup d'état fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of Brazil´s Judicial Branch and, as such, are not subject to any interference or threats that could compromise the independence of national institutions.

"In the context of digital platforms, Brazilian society rejects hateful content, racism, child pornography, scams, fraud, and speeches against human rights and democratic freedom.

"In Brazil, freedom of expression must not be confused with aggression or violent practices. All companies—whether domestic or foreign—must comply with Brazilian law in order to operate within our territory."

He added: "Sovereignty, respect and the unwavering defense of the interests of the Brazilian people are the values that guide our relationship with the world."

This article includes reporting by The Associated Press.

Update 7/18/25, 11:06 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.