Front Burner Brazil stares down Trump and Bolsonaro
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Sep 2, 2025 
Gustavo Ribeiro, founder and editor in chief of the Brazilian Report, dives deep into the tumultuous political landscape of Brazil. He discusses Jair Bolsonaro’s trial for serious charges, including attempted coup and violence against officials. Ribeiro analyzes the complex relationship between Bolsonaro and Trump, especially with Trump's recent tariffs on Brazil. As Lula's presidency stabilizes, they examine the implications of these events for Brazil's democracy and the ongoing political polarization fueled by misinformation and past coups.
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Long-Building Strategy To Undermine Institutions
- Bolsonaro spent his presidency sowing distrust in electoral institutions and courting the military to solidify support.
- Investigators found patterns showing a long-term strategy to undermine Brazil's democratic checks.
Brasilia Riot Revealed Alleged Coup Plot
- The January 8, 2023 attack on Brasilia followed Lula's inauguration and mirrored the US January 6 Capitol riot.
- Investigations into that riot uncovered an alleged coup plot involving drafts to militarily intervene in electoral courts and assassination plans.
WhatsApp Records Show Coordinated Planning
- Investigators recovered a large volume of documents and WhatsApp messages implicating high-level military and intelligence figures.
- Defendants now claim discussions were hypothetical, but the evidence suggests coordinated planning rather than mere talk.