Lula Says U.S. Revoked Brazil Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski’s Visa

(BRAZIL) Brazil’s government said the United States revoked the visa of Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski, marking a sharp turn in a growing dispute tied to the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva confirmed the visa revocation on August 26, 2025, calling the move “irresponsible” and “unacceptable.” The step follows weeks of pressure from Washington under President Trump and adds new strain to ties between the two countries.

Brazilian officials say the United States also revoked visas for several Supreme Court justices, including Alexandre de Moraes, who is overseeing Bolsonaro’s case. As of Tuesday, the U.S. State Department had not issued a formal statement confirming the individual visa actions. Still, Brazilian authorities and major outlets in Brasília have publicly acknowledged the cancellations, and officials describe the measures as part of a broader campaign to intimidate Brazil’s judiciary.

Under U.S. law, the State Department can revoke a visa at its discretion, including for foreign officials. When a visa is revoked, the holder cannot use it to enter the United States, even if the sticker remains in the passport. The government is not required to publish the reasons. For general policy guidance on visas and revocations, see the U.S. Department of State: U.S. Visas. Brazilian authorities say no detailed rationale was provided to Lewandowski.

Policy actions and diplomatic fallout

The visa steps land alongside major trade penalties. President Trump imposed a 50% tariff on dozens of Brazilian imports, effective in August 2025, through an executive order signed on July 30. The surcharge adds 40% on top of existing 10% duties. U.S. officials carved out exemptions that cover about 43% of the value of imports—excluding items such as Embraer aircraft and orange juice—but coffee and meat remain exposed. Washington has warned tariffs could change again if Brazil retaliates.

The Trump administration frames its approach as a defense of U.S. free speech, economic interests, and national security. Officials say Brazilian judges and regulators have targeted U.S. social media companies and political critics, and they argue that sanctions and visa restrictions are a measured response. Eduardo Bolsonaro, the former president’s son who is active in U.S. politics, has lobbied for these steps, urging Washington to confront what he calls judicial overreach in Brasília.

Lula da Silva rejects that view, accusing the United States of pressuring Brazil’s institutions and trying to shield Jair Bolsonaro from a courtroom reckoning. He said the visa revocation of Ricardo Lewandowski and pressure on Alexandre de Moraes attacks Brazil’s sovereignty and sends the wrong message to a partner country. Brazilian officials say the measures risk backfiring by uniting domestic opinion against outside interference, including from the United States.

Analysts in Brasília and São Paulo note the clash also reflects wider tensions. Brazil has built closer ties with China, promoted digital sovereignty through its Pix real-time payment system, and pushed BRICS expansion and use of non-dollar trade tools. In Washington, these steps are seen by some as challenging U.S. influence in Latin America. VisaVerge.com reports that the move against senior Brazilian officials may harden positions on both sides and make a quick diplomatic reset harder.

The measures are being described by Brazilian officials as part of a broader campaign to intimidate the judiciary — a claim Washington disputes while defending the actions as protection of U.S. interests.

Legal case and timeline

The case at the center of the storm is the Supreme Court trial of Jair Bolsonaro for allegedly plotting to overturn the October 2022 election result, which he lost to Lula. If found guilty, he could face up to 40 years in prison.

He remains under house arrest while the court weighs the evidence, with a verdict expected in early September 2025. Justice Alexandre de Moraes is a central figure in the proceedings and, according to Brazilian officials, among those hit with U.S. visa actions and sanctions.

From a legal perspective, Washington’s visa decisions do not affect the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction or timeline. But they do limit official travel to the United States for court members, ministers, and aides who often visit for conferences, legal forums, and bilateral programs.

Practical effects include:

• Personal and political disruption to official travel, family visits, medical appointments, and academic trips.
• Short-notice cancellations of U.S. trips for targeted individuals and their aides.
• Potential chilling effect on judicial and diplomatic exchanges.

For Brazilian travelers, there is currently no sign of a broad freeze on visitor or student visas. Officials say the measures target named public figures rather than the general public. Still, travel planners urge caution—especially for those working in government or the courts.

Recommended traveler actions:

1. Check visa status well before departure.
2. Watch for embassy and State Department updates.
3. Keep itineraries flexible and prepare backup plans.

Trade and business impacts

The 50% tariff jolts exporters across sectors. Key points:

• Exemptions: Aviation parts and orange juice are spared for now.
• Exposed: Coffee and meat face steep additional costs.
• Impact on contracts: Companies with contracts priced months earlier may find deals unprofitable.
• Supply-chain shifts: U.S. importers may pass higher costs to consumers or switch suppliers.
• Retaliation risk: If Brazil imposes counter-duties, economists expect escalating pain for businesses on both sides.

Washington’s campaign also includes sanctions on judicial officials linked to the Bolsonaro case. The administration frames these steps as protecting U.S. speech and business interests from alleged Brazilian censorship efforts. In Brazil, many lawmakers view the actions as an attempt to sway a domestic criminal case and intimidate judges.

Some possible longer-term outcomes:

• Acceleration of Brazil’s trade and technology diversification, deepening ties with Asian partners.
• A harder diplomatic posture on both sides, making quick resolution less likely.
• Changes to tariff exemptions depending on diplomatic negotiations.

Diplomatic outlook and immediate concerns

The diplomatic path ahead is narrow. Brazil has threatened to respond if the United States escalates further, while U.S. officials signal they may adjust tariffs depending on Brasília’s next moves. Talks over expanded exemptions are possible, but neither side has outlined a clear framework.

All eyes now turn to the Supreme Court’s expected September decision in Bolsonaro’s case:

• A guilty verdict could prompt more U.S. pressure.
• An acquittal or delay could shift political calculations in both capitals.

For now, the message from Brasília is one of defiance. Lula da Silva ties the visa revocation of Ricardo Lewandowski to a wider pattern of U.S. actions he views as coercive. He vows Brazil will defend its institutions and proceed with the court process without foreign interference.

In Washington, officials maintain that defending U.S. companies, users, and constitutional rights justifies tough steps—even when aimed at a close partner like Brazil.

With tempers high and trade at stake, businesses, students, and families should expect practical disruptions and prepare accordingly.

Practical questions citizens and businesses are asking now:

• Will more visas be revoked?
• Will flights or trade be disrupted if tariffs spark retaliation?
• When will diplomatic talks begin to cool the dispute?

Current best practices for affected parties:

• Follow official updates closely.
• Verify visa status early and frequently.
• Prepare backup travel and business plans in case politics intrudes on travel or contracts.