US Weighs New Sanctions Against Brazil Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes

The U.S. government has discussed imposing new sanctions on Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, according to a Financial Times report published Sunday, adding another potential source of tension between Washington and Brazil.

Citing people familiar with the matter, the report said U.S. officials have considered renewed measures targeting Moraes after previously sanctioning the Brazilian judge under the Global Magnitsky Act.

In July 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on Moraes, who played a central role in judicial proceedings involving former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. The measures were linked to Moraes' oversight of the case that ultimately resulted in Bolsonaro's conviction and imprisonment over an alleged attempt to overturn the outcome of Brazil's 2022 presidential election.

Bolsonaro, who lost his re-election bid to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, was accused of participating in efforts to remain in power following his electoral defeat. The case became a major political flashpoint in Brazil and attracted international attention, particularly from Bolsonaro's political allies and supporters.

The Global Magnitsky Act allows the U.S. government to impose financial sanctions and visa restrictions on foreign individuals accused of serious human rights abuses or corruption. Sanctions under the framework can include freezing assets subject to U.S. jurisdiction and restricting access to the American financial system.

However, the United States removed the sanctions against Moraes in December 2025, several months after they were introduced.

The latest discussions indicate that Washington may be reconsidering its approach toward the Brazilian Supreme Court justice. The Financial Times report did not establish whether U.S. officials had reached a final decision or when any renewed sanctions against Moraes could be announced.

Any move to reimpose U.S. sanctions on Alexandre de Moraes could once again draw attention to relations between the United States and Brazil, while reigniting debate over Bolsonaro's prosecution and the role of Brazil's Supreme Court in the country's politically charged legal cases.