US Lifts Magnitsky Sanctions on Brazilian Supreme Court Justice

Is this a diplomatic breakthrough restoring democratic norms in Brazil, or capitulation that undermines U.S. sanctions credibility and emboldens abuses?
US Lifts Magnitsky Sanctions on Brazilian Supreme Court Justice
Above: Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes on Dec. 10, 2025. Image credit: *** GETTY *** Ton Molina/NurPhoto/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-Trump narrative

Lifting these sanctions is a major diplomatic breakthrough that addresses legitimate concerns about judicial overreach in Brazil, signaling progress toward restoring democratic norms in the country and improving bilateral relations as lawmakers in Brazil are about to pass legislation that will further normalize the situation. This strategic decision demonstrates effective diplomacy and creates a pathway for ending excessive prosecutions while strengthening U.S.-Brazil cooperation.

Anti-Trump narrative

Trump just got played spectacularly by Lula, who told him to shove his sanctions and won. Lula handed Trump a humiliating defeat while Brazil pursues BRICS and de-dollarization, Moraes has escalated the very behaviors sanctions were meant to punish, and all it took was some flattery to make Trump slink away with his tail between his legs. Huge loss for American power and credibility on the world stage.

Metaculus Prediction


Public Figures


Articles on this story



© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.1

© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.1