https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/8/brazil-police-seize-bolsonaros-passport-amid-coup-probe
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro had his passport confiscated by Brazilian police. The decision by the Brazilian government follows Bolsonaro’s recent statement about the “easily rigged” presidential election. Consequently, his statement caused the Supreme Court to see him unfit to run again until 2030, along with further allegations of his interference with the election. Angering far-right Republicans, Bolsonaro supporters stormed the Presidential Palace and the Supreme Court. The outrage follows Bolsonaro removal from the ballet and the electoral loss to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The storming was Bolsonaro allegedly conspiring such an attack on Brazil’s democracy. Bolsonaro inner circle is also under investigation, also allegedly responsible for plotting a military coup.
This story rings a bell in American politics, for the allegations Trump made about the rigged 2020 election and his alleged involvement with the storming of the capital. Both the Brazilian and American attacks on their governments are resurfacing, as Bolsonaro is facing investigation and confiscation of his passport. In America, Trump runs for election once more but is taken off of Colorado’s state ballots. His alleged attack against democracy has outraged many Americans but only fueled his supporters in his attempt to win the Republican vote. Interestingly, both former presidents had alleged attacks against democracy; yet, receive an immense amount of support from their followers.
Regardless of politics, the attacks on each respective country’s government via the people are a National Security threat. Such an attack threatens the very government of the country as a whole, thus, their sovereignty. On a state level of analysis, both Brazil and America are taking their approach to the repercussions. It has been 4 years since the attack on the capital, yet Trump’s involvement in the riot has yet to be concluded. However, the Brazilian government is seen cracking down on Bolsorona Circle. The decision of each respective state on how to combat the attacks on their government will ultimately affect the upcoming 2024 American election and the 2026 Brazilian election.