The office of former president Jair Bolsonaro (PL) presented a note stating that the refusal of the minister of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), Alexandre de Moraes, to release the former president’s passport is a “great disappointment”.
“Today’s decision, by Alexandre de Moraes, to deny the [ex-]President Jair Bolsonaro to attend President @realDonaldTrump’s historic inauguration is a serious disappointment — not just for the [ex-]President Bolsonaro, but for the millions of Brazilians he represents and for the lasting friendship between Brazil and the United States”, says the note published on social media.
This Thursday (16th), the inauguration of the president-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, which will take place on the 20th of this month. Instead, the former first lady, Michelle Bolsonaro, will be present at the ceremony.
For the minister, in addition to the former president not having proven an official invitation made by the new US head of state, there is also a “possibility of escape” on the part of Bolsonaro, who has three indictments in different investigations.
The office refutes Moraes’ decision, arguing that the action “has nothing to do with justice or preventing the risk of flight. They have to do with fear: fear of the popularity of Bolsonaro, who leads the polls for the 2026 elections; fear of its broad support among Brazilians from all social classes and regions of the country; and fear of what he represents”, and highlights the speech that the former president is being politically persecuted in the country.
– Statement from President Jair Bolsonaro’s Office
– Today’s decision by Alexandre de Moraes to deny President Jair Bolsonaro’s request to attend the President’s historic inauguration is a serious disappointment — not just for President Bolsonaro, but…
— Jair M. Bolsonaro (@jairbolsonaro)
Fourth request denied
This was when Jair Bolsonaro asked the Federal Supreme Court for the return of his passport.
The first occurred shortly after the document was seized by the Federal Police, in February 2024. The second was in October last year, after the defense requested that Bolsonaro could pay a visit to Israel, where he would visit President Benjamin Netanyahu. The penultimate and third time was based on an appeal, also presented in October.
At CNNthe former president. The request must be made for the Court’s plenary to analyze the case.
