By Tiffany Williams –
WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump announced that his administration will revoke U.S. visas for Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and his allies, citing concerns over political persecution and the suppression of free expression.
Trump accused Justice de Moraes of leading a politically motivated campaign against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, describing it as a “political witch hunt” that has created a broad culture of censorship. According to Trump, the actions by the Brazilian court not only violate the civil liberties of Brazilian citizens but have also extended beyond Brazil’s borders to affect American individuals.
The visa restrictions are being implemented under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows the Secretary of State to deem a foreign national inadmissible if their presence in the United States could have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences.
Trump emphasized that the move is part of his broader stance on protecting free speech and holding accountable those who attempt to censor protected expression within the United States. No specific names beyond Moraes were provided, and the State Department has not yet issued an official statement confirming the implementation of the visa revocations.
The decision marks a significant development in international relations between the United States and Brazil, particularly as Brazil’s judiciary continues to investigate Bolsonaro and his allies following his presidency.