Eduardo Bolsonaro Convicted for Coercion Linked to Father’s Coup Attempt

In a significant ruling on Tuesday, Brazil’s Supreme Court found former lawmaker Eduardo Bolsonaro guilty of coercion. This case relates to the previous year’s trial that resulted in his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, receiving a 27-year sentence for attempting a coup.

The Supreme Court sentenced Eduardo Bolsonaro to four years and two months in prison. The panel of five justices unanimously agreed that he had illegally tried to interfere by lobbying the U.S. government to pressure Brazilian officials to halt the trial.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who also presided over the former president’s coup attempt case, stated that a federal lawmaker’s duty “is not to lobby overseas against his own country.” Notably, in July last year, the U.S. government sanctioned de Moraes and his wife.

Eduardo Bolsonaro’s legal team contested the conviction, arguing insufficient evidence. Having resided in Texas since February 2025, the former lawmaker did not make public remarks on the court’s decision.

Diplomatic tensions have featured in relations between the U.S. and Brazil. In a notable move, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Brazil last year to protest Jair Bolsonaro’s prosecution related to the disputed 2022 election results. During a visit to Washington in early May, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva presented evidence to Trump indicating a U.S. trade surplus with Brazil.

Despite improved relations in May, the U.S. later proposed new 25% tariffs in June, citing Brazil’s alleged unfair trade practices.

The Bolsonaro family maintains an active political presence, with Eduardo Bolsonaro canvassing support for his brother, Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro. The senator, considering a run against Lula in upcoming elections, deals with a recent controversy involving a payment linked to a disgraced banker. Both brothers have interacted with U.S. officials in Washington, including Trump.