General Santos Cruz criticizes Bolsonaro family over U.S. ties

General Carlos Alberto dos Santos Cruz, a former minister under Jair Bolsonaro, has issued sharp criticisms against the Bolsonarista movement, labeling certain actions as “vigarice” (scam/fraud). In an interview, the retired general accused sectors of the movement of seeking foreign influence over Brazilian domestic affairs, which he characterized as a threat to national sovereignty.

Santos Cruz specifically criticized the relationship between members of the Bolsonaro family and Donald Trump. He described a photograph of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro at the White House as representing a “position of a subordinate” rather than an equal relationship. He also condemned Brazilian politicians who wear “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) hats, calling it “voluntary submission” and a loss of patriotism.

Furthermore, the general questioned the actions of Eduardo Bolsonaro, suggesting that seeking to negotiate sanctions against Brazil in the United States constitutes an attempt at foreign interference. Santos Cruz stated that “the search for interference is treason” and argued that such political fanaticism can lead to the betrayal of national interests.