Official statement or ruling from the Supreme Federal Court (STF) of Brazil

Bolsonaro Requests Passport from STF's Moraes to Attend Trump's Inauguration on January 20, 2025

Jan 11, 2025, 11:00 AM

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has requested the return of his passport from the Supreme Federal Court (STF) to attend the inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States on January 20, 2025. Bolsonaro's passport has been held by the Federal Police since February 2024, amid investigations into an alleged coup attempt. His defense team, led by criminal lawyer Celso Vilardi, submitted the request to STF Minister Alexandre de Moraes, citing an official invitation received on January 8, 2025, from Trump's inauguration committee. The invitation was sent to Bolsonaro's son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, and forwarded to the former president. Bolsonaro's lawyers argue that the trip would reinforce diplomatic ties between Brazil and the U.S. and highlight Bolsonaro's commitment to democratic and republican values. However, Minister Moraes has asked for further documentation to verify the authenticity of the invitation before making a decision on the passport's release.