We sat down with Jair Bolsonaro. Facing prison, he’s pining for Trump.

washingtonpost.comPublished: 5/2/2025

Summary

Jair Bolsonaro's grip on Brazil's political landscape is fragile yet strategic, relying heavily on trusted allies during legal challenges and using military backup to maintain control amid growing instability. Despite facing potent threats through a controversial decree granting emergency powers, Bolsonaro has an adherent base that supports his leadership despite his perceived attacks on democracy. His re-election strategy focuses onAppealing directly to voters rather than party systems, signaling a shift away from traditional political hierarchies and emphasizing the challenges posed by his own legal and security concerns.