Brazilian authorities placed an ankle monitor on former President Jair Bolsonaro. They raided his residence on Friday as part of an ongoing investigation into claims he attempted to overturn the results of the 2022 election.

According to the Daily Wire, the Brazilian Supreme Court issued a search warrant. It imposed strict legal measures on Bolsonaro, including travel and communication restrictions, following accusations connected to an alleged coup plot after his electoral loss.

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes authorized the raid and restrictions, citing concerns that Bolsonaro might attempt to leave the country. According to court documents, de Moraes viewed the possibility of flight as “concrete” enough to justify intervention. This latest move adds to the mounting legal pressure surrounding the former president’s post-election conduct.

Supreme Court Intensifies Legal Scrutiny

Federal police searched Bolsonaro’s home on Friday as instructed by the court. As part of the raid’s outcome, Bolsonaro was fitted with an electronic ankle tracker and served a ban on contacting any foreign diplomats or government officials. These restrictions are expected to last through the duration of legal proceedings, which center on accusations that he attempted to spark a coup following his loss to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in 2022.

Bolsonaro continues to deny any wrongdoing and says that the legal action is politically motivated. Speaking to Reuters, the former president suggested that the court’s latest enforcement might have been influenced by international opinions, particularly recent expressions of solidarity from U.S. President Donald Trump. “I feel supreme humiliation,” Bolsonaro said about the ankle device. “I am 70 years old, I was president of the republic for four years.” Despite navigating multiple legal issues, he retains widespread support among right-wing Brazilian voters.

Donald Trump Issues Public Defense of Bolsonaro

The developments in Brazil drew immediate attention from Trump, who has publicly defended Bolsonaro in recent months. In a letter addressed to Bolsonaro—shared on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social—the former U.S. leader condemned the prosecution and called for the trial to be dismissed. He described Bolsonaro as “a highly respected and strong leader who served his country well.”

Trump criticized the Brazilian judiciary again in a separate letter, this time addressed to President Lula da Silva. He declared the treatment of Bolsonaro “an international disgrace,” urging that the trial “should end immediately.” These statements continue a trend in which Trump aligns himself with international political allies who face judicial scrutiny. In his letter, Trump also referenced Bolsonaro’s current popularity, acknowledging that the former Brazilian leader continues to poll favorably despite legal concerns. Trump’s statements have added an international dimension to a case that was already one of the most politically charged in Brazil in recent memory.

Tariff Decision Escalates Tensions

Just a day before Bolsonaro’s home was searched, Trump imposed a hefty 50% tariff on Brazilian imports. The decision was publicly framed by Trump as a response to what he described as “insidious attacks” on democratic values and free speech rights, though economic analysts also point to rising trade tensions between the two countries.

Justice de Moraes cited the tariff in his legal order, accusing Trump of deliberately trying to destabilize Brazil’s economy and apply external pressure on Brazil’s legal institutions. The reference indicates that Bolsonaro’s case is now complicated not only by domestic politics but also by growing international friction. Bolsonaro, reacting to the enforcement order and its possible motivations, told Reuters he believed the Supreme Court reacted to Trump’s recent statements and actions. He argued that support from global figures was seen as a threat by those within Brazil’s legal system.

Continued Political Divide in Brazil

As the investigation intensifies, Brazil remains deeply divided over its former president. Supporters of Bolsonaro argue that the legal pursuit amounts to retaliation against a political figure who challenged the establishment, while critics see the court’s actions as a necessary response to alleged threats against constitutional order.

Throughout the Bolsonaro presidency and into its aftermath, Justice de Moraes has taken an active role in judicial oversight involving disinformation and potential attacks on Brazil’s democratic framework. Friday’s action is his latest in a series of rulings targeting figures believed to have participated in post-election unrest. The charges now facing Bolsonaro stem from accusations that he played a role—direct or indirect—in attempts to prevent the peaceful transition of power to President Lula after the 2022 vote. Protests and riots by Bolsonaro supporters erupted after the election, and investigations continue into their origin and coordination.

Bolsonaro's Next Steps Remain Unclear

At the moment, Bolsonaro remains in Brazil and under surveillance. There has been no formal announcement regarding his next legal appearance or whether prosecutors have established a trial date. However, the restriction on communication with international figures and the monitor placed on his ankle suggest authorities are preparing a firm approach.

Despite his legal hurdles, Bolsonaro remains a prominent political presence. His base continues to rally behind him, with gatherings, public shows of support, and messages flooding social media platforms in his defense. Polling data suggests he continues to lead among right-wing voters, even in legal turmoil.

Brazil's federal police and judiciary have not commented on how Trump’s involvement might shape the overall process. Still, the cross-border political implications of the case indicate that the world will continue watching Bolsonaro’s legal path closely.