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US government discusses new sanctions against Alexandre de Moraes
The United States government is reportedly discussing the reimposition of sanctions against Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. According to reports from the Financial Times, the Trump administration is considering utilizing the Global Magnitsky Act, a mechanism designed to penalize foreign officials accused of corruption or human rights violations.
Moraes was previously subject to Magnitsky sanctions in July 2025, which were subsequently lifted in December 2025. During the previous period of sanctions, the justice reportedly faced restrictions such as the inability to use certain international credit cards. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had previously accused Moraes of conducting a campaign of censorship and arbitrary detentions.
The renewed discussions follow recent police operations in Brazil targeting sources of a journalist, which have reignited debates regarding freedom of the press. While no final decision or timeline has been established, analysts suggest that such a move could significantly escalate diplomatic tensions between Washington and Brasília, potentially impacting upcoming Brazilian elections.
Entities
Alexandre de Moraes · Brazil · Donald Trump · Supreme Federal Court · United States
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The potential imposition of sanctions could escalate diplomatic tensions between the United States and Brazil. valor.globo.com · veja.abril.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] Discussions regarding sanctions have resurfaced following police operations targeting sources of a journalist's reports. tribunadepetropolis.com.br · veja.abril.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Sources indicate that while the U.S. desires a good relationship with Brazil, they view Moraes as 'clearly an enemy'. valor.globo.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Magnitsky Act sanctions could include freezing assets in the U.S. and prohibiting American companies from conducting business with Moraes. valor.globo.com · veja.abril.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] There is currently no final decision or established timeline regarding the implementation of these new sanctions. tribunadepetropolis.com.br · www.estadao.com.br
- [● 4 SOURCES] Moraes was previously sanctioned under the Magnitsky Act in July 2025 but the sanctions were lifted in December 2025. tribunadepetropolis.com.br · www.estadao.com.br · valor.globo.com · veja.abril.com.br
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Trump administration is discussing the possibility of reimposing sanctions against Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. tribunadepetropolis.com.br · www.estadao.com.br · valor.globo.com · veja.abril.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent previously accused Moraes of promoting censorship, arbitrary detentions, and politicized legal actions. tribunadepetropolis.com.br · www.estadao.com.br