The Trump Media - Technology Group and Rumble sued Brazils Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes on February 19, 2025.
They filed the lawsuit in Florida, accusing Moraes of censoring Truth Social and Rumble with Brazilian orders.This followed Elon Musks clash, which suspended X in Brazil until a $3.5 million fine resolved it.
Moraes led investigations into ex-President Jair Bolsonaros alleged coup attempt after he lost the 2022 election.The Prosecutor General charged Bolsonaro on February 18, 2025, triggering fury among his supporters.
They praised Trumps lawsuit, alleging Moraes silenced conservatives on platforms with 50 million Rumble users and 5 million Truth Social accounts.Trump, who won the United States election in November 2024, backed Bolsonaro, calling Brazils moves lawfare akin to his own legal fights.
Experts warned his tariff threats on $120 billion in United States -Brazil trade could hit agriculture hardest.Trumps Media Sued Brazils Key Judge in Free Speech Fight.
(Photo Internet reproduction)Brazil-United States Tensions Escalate Over Digital Platform DisputesPresident Lula, managing 3.5% GDP growth in 2024, struggles with strained Washington ties.
The suit arose from Moraes directives to block accounts linked to the January 8, 2023, Braslia riots.He fought alleged election disinformation, leading United States companies to protest overreach beyond Brazils borders.
Rumbles CEO, Chris Pavlovski, declared, Well contest your illegal orders in court.Bolsonaros allies sought United States backing since 2023, boosting their voice on Truth Social and Rumble.
A conviction could jail Bolsonaro for up to 43 years, risking a diplomatic rift.
Trump might label it political targeting, further fraying relations with Lulas Brazil.Legal scholars questioned the cases odds, citing the 1997 United States -Brazil treaty limiting foreign rulings enforcement.
Moraes justified his actions as protecting Brazils sovereignty, the STF stated on February 20, 2025.Still, the dispute tests digital boundaries as platforms defy local laws.
This conflict merges politics, technology, and commerce.
Businesses watch closely with billions at stake.
The Florida ruling could redefine how global platforms handle national courts.