• Brazil's Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski had his US visa revoked.
• President Lula calls the revocation "irresponsible" and "unacceptable."
• The move is seen as part of escalating tensions between Brazil and the US.
• Former President Bolsonaro is under trial for alleged coup plotting.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has expressed his discontent over the revocation of the United States visa for Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski, labeling it an "irresponsible decision." He articulated solidarity with Lewandowski during a cabinet meeting, stating, "These attitudes are unacceptable — not only against Minister Lewandowski, but also against Supreme Court justices or any Brazilian official," according to TRT Global, Al Jazeera, and Reuters.

Lula's remarks come amid ongoing tensions linked to the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who faces accusations of attempting a coup after losing the 2022 elections to Lula. Bolsonaro has consistently denied these allegations, claiming the trial is politically motivated and aimed at undermining his potential comeback in the 2026 election. Lula emphasized Brazil's sovereign stance, affirming that "We are willing to sit at the table on equal terms," according to Al Jazeera and Reuters.

The broader geopolitical context includes U.S. President Donald Trump's previous supportive stance towards Bolsonaro, which has shifted to a critical one amidst Bolsonaro's legal troubles. Trump has characterized the trial as a "witch hunt" and responded by imposing 50-percent tariffs on Brazilian imports, a move Lula views as further aggression against Brazil's sovereignty, according to TRT Global and Al Jazeera.