247 - The White House said on Tuesday (9) that it is prepared to employ all available instruments — including economic and military power — to respond to violations of freedom of expression anywhere in the world. The statement was made by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt at an official press conference, after being questioned about the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro, according to UOL.
American journalist Michael Shellenberger asked directly whether the United States was considering taking"additional measures not only to censor, but to prevent political candidates from running in elections." "I can tell you that this is a priority for our administration and that the president is not afraid to use the economic and military might of the United States to protect free speech around the world," Leavitt responded.
Pressure from the Trump administration
Despite the firm tone, the secretary said that, at this time, there are no new measures to announce. Until now, US President Donald Trump had already imposed economic sanctions on Brazil and activated the Magnitsky Act against Justice Alexandre de Moraes of the Supreme Federal Court (STF). Furthermore, the visas of Moraes and seven other justices of the Court were suspended.
Tensions grew after Bolsonaro's trial was mentioned in an official letter announcing the imposition of 50% tariffs on Brazilian products. In the document, Trump called the proceedings a"witch hunt" and demanded that they be halted "immediately."
Risk of further retaliation
According to the report, the expectation is that the United States will be able to act in real time during the Supreme Court sessions. A list of options is reportedly under consideration, including new economic sanctions and additional rounds of visa revocations for Brazilian officials.
The Lula administration is closely monitoring the possibility of an escalation in the diplomatic crisis. For Brasília, the risk of new punitive measures amid the trial represents a factor of instability in the already delicate bilateral relations.
US Embassy threatened sanctions against Moraes at start of trial
Earlier, the United States Embassy in Brazil published a message that was interpreted as a direct threat to Minister Alexandre de Moraes, of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), precisely on the day that the Court resumes the trial of Jair Bolsonaro (PL) and seven other defendants accused of planning the attempted coup d'état.
In a morning post on social media, the diplomatic mission stated:"September 7th marked Brazil's 203rd Independence Day. It was a reminder of our commitment to supporting the Brazilian people who seek to preserve the values of freedom and justice. To Minister Alexandre de Moraes and the individuals whose abuses of authority have undermined these fundamental freedoms – we will continue to take appropriate action."
