Trump Administration Officials Reportedly Sought Bolsonaro Family’s Return to Power

Officials in the Trump administration led a behind-the-scenes campaign to help Brazil’s right-wing Bolsonaro family return to power, according to sources familiar with the effort.

The sources said two US State Department officials were involved in the campaign, which sought to weaken the government of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The effort reportedly used sanctions and other pressure measures to undermine Lula’s administration and advance the Bolsonaro family’s political comeback.

The account points to an attempt to influence Brazil’s political direction through US pressure. The information provided did not identify the officials, detail the measures used or establish whether the campaign achieved its aims.