• Trump calls Bolsonaro's coup trial a "WITCH HUNT."
• Lula asserts Brazil's sovereignty, rejecting US interference.
• Bolsonaro faces charges related to a coup attempt post-election loss.
• The relationship between Trump and Bolsonaro remains contentious.
• Consequences for Bolsonaro include possible imprisonment and election barring until 2030.

US President Donald Trump recently defended former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who faces charges in Brazil's Supreme Court regarding an alleged coup attempt following his election loss to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Trump characterized the legal proceedings as a "WITCH HUNT" and urged Brazilian authorities to "LEAVE BOLSONARO ALONE!" asserting that Bolsonaro, a fellow right-wing leader, acted in defense of the people, according to The Hill and Le Monde.

In response, Lula emphasized Brazil's sovereignty and independence, stating that the defense of democracy in the country is for Brazilians to manage without foreign interference. "We do not accept interference or tutelage from anyone," he stated firmly, highlighting that "no one is above the law," according to BBC and Anadolu Agency.

Bolsonaro, facing serious charges of plotting a coup to retain power, has continued to deny all allegations, labeling them as clear political persecution. His trial could result in up to 40 years of imprisonment if convicted. Despite this, he has expressed a desire to run again in the 2026 elections, having been barred from political office until 2030, following a ruling related to misinformation regarding Brazil's electoral system, according to Al Jazeera and TRT World.

Trump's support for Bolsonaro is seen as an effort to bolster the former president in light of the ongoing legal challenges, which echo Trump's own struggles with the law. Both leaders have faced accusations of undermining democratic processes after election losses, drawing parallels between their situations that have further polarized political sentiments in their respective countries, as reported by India Times and BBC.

At a recent BRICS summit, Lula reiterated Brazil's position against US pressure, indicating that Brazil would not be swayed by threats of additional tariffs from Trump, asserting the importance of national sovereignty. Lula remarked, "The world has changed. We don't want an emperor,” further reinforcing Brazil's commitment to maintain independence from foreign influence, according to Al Jazeera and Anadolu Agency.