'Leave Bolsonaro alone!' Trump furious as Brazil's ex-leader faces coup trial

President Donald Trump took time on Monday to lament the trial of Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil's former president, on charges of money laundering, criminal conspiracy related to undeclared diamonds and an attempted coup.

"I have watched, as has the World, as they have done nothing but come after him, day after day, night after night, month after month, year after year!" Trump exclaimed in a post on Truth Social. "He is not guilty of anything, except having fought for THE PEOPLE."

The U.S. president said he had "gotten to know Jair Bolsonaro, and he was a strong Leader, who truly loved his Country," and insisted he was "leading in the Polls."

"This is nothing more, or less, than an attack on a Political Opponent — Something I know much about! It happened to me, times 10," Trump continued. "The Great People of Brazil will not stand for what they are doing to their former President."

He added: "I'll be watching the WITCH HUNT of Jair Bolsonaro, his family, and thousands of his supporters, very closely. The only Trial that should be happening is a Trial by the Voters of Brazil — It's called an Election. LEAVE BOLSONARO ALONE!"

Bolsonaro's charges involve alleged conspiracy to maintain power after losing the 2022 election, and suggest he plotted to stage a coup. He was formally accused in 2024.