Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is eyeing a return to power, expressing optimism that President-elect Donald Trump will assist him, potentially through economic sanctions against the current president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Despite being barred from running until 2030 and facing criminal charges related to alleged coup attempts, Bolsonaro views Trump’s election as a pivotal moment for his political future and for right-leaning politicians across Latin America. With leftist leaders recently winning elections in Mexico and Uruguay, Bolsonaro believes it’s time for a resurgence of conservative governance in the region.
“Trump’s return is a signal that we will make our comeback too,” Bolsonaro stated in a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal from his party headquarters in Brasília, surrounded by two congressional allies. He noted that he and his son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, have maintained close contact with the incoming U.S. administration since the election on November 5. “I spent the whole night supporting the big orange guy,” he said affectionately referring to Trump as “Laranjão.”
The leftist government of Da Silva, which views Bolsonaro as an authoritarian figure, declined to comment on his claims. Meanwhile, Trump’s transition team did not respond to requests for comment.
Bolsonaro, who led Brazil from 2019 to 2022, has been one of Trump’s staunchest international allies, sharing similar views on cultural issues and disdain for the left and mainstream media. Their alliance strengthened during their overlapping presidencies, particularly in their mutual opposition to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
To bolster his international connections, Bolsonaro has also reached out to other right-wing leaders, including Argentine President Javier Milei and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, even bestowing upon them his notable “Bolsonaro Club” medal, which carries a slogan that translates to "immortal, virile, and not to be messed with."
Following the seizure of his passport by authorities earlier this year, Bolsonaro’s son Eduardo has acted as a liaison, joining Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort. “It’s time for MAAGA—Make All Americas Great Again,” Bolsonaro declared, showcasing a book Trump gifted him with the inscription, “Jair—You are GREAT.”
As he navigates his path back into politics, Bolsonaro, often referred to as the "Trump of the Tropics," is counting on his U.S. counterpart now more than ever, although the extent and nature of potential support remain uncertain.