José Barroso Breaks Silence, Moved Nearly to Tears Discussing Trump’s Sanctions in Exclusive Interview

News">

September 17, 2025

Brasília – Luis Roberto Barroso, President of Brazil’s Supreme Court, has publicly addressed the matter of sanctions imposed by the United states, expressing both personal connections to the U.S. and concern over potential misinterpretations surrounding the situation. His remarks came during the opening of Wednesday’s plenary session, marking a meaningful departure from the court’s previous silence on the issue.

Barroso Acknowledges U.S. Ties and Expresses Concern

President Barroso stated he had reflected deeply on the sanctions and voiced his belief that there may be a significant misunderstanding, possibly targeted in nature. He emphasized that the court had not previously offered public comment due to the unique circumstances of its judicial workload.

“I never saw it approached here, dear colleagues, but I do not think I would like to turn my back on this problem, the question of sanctions,” President Barroso reportedly said. He further explained his longstanding personal and professional relationships within the United States, noting his time spent studying, living, and working there.

“But just to make all my feelings documented in relation to the country are good. I have academic relations, dear friends, I admire people and admire institutions,” he added, underscoring his positive regard for the U.S. despite the current complexities.

New Book Fuels Debate on political Interference

The President’s statement arrives alongside the release of a new book titled “The Machine Against Man: How the system Tried to Destroy a President – and Awakened a Nation.” The book reportedly details previously undisclosed details regarding the legal challenges faced by former President Bolsonaro, focusing on events from 2022 and portraying them as part of a broader systematic effort.

The release of the book has sparked debate among supporters of the former president and ignited scrutiny of potential political interference. Proponents suggest the book reveals a concerning pattern of actions aimed at undermining a democratically elected leader.

Issue	Details
U.S. Sanctions	President Barroso acknowledges concerns about potential misunderstandings.
New Book Release	“The Machine Against Man” alleges a systematic effort against former President Bolsonaro.
Barroso’s Connection to U.S.	The Supreme Court President has extensive personal and professional ties to the United States.

Did You Know? Brazil is the fifth-largest country in the world by both land area and population, encompassing a significant portion of the Amazon rainforest.

Pro Tip: Staying informed about international relations and political developments is crucial for understanding their potential impacts on global markets and policy.

Understanding the Context of International Sanctions

International sanctions are coercive measures, typically economic, applied by one or more countries against another country, entity, or individual. They are often used as a foreign policy tool to influence behavior, address human rights concerns, or counter perceived threats to international security.Though, sanctions can also have unintended consequences, impacting civilian populations and exacerbating existing economic challenges.

the use of sanctions has increased in recent decades, becoming a prominent feature of international relations. understanding the legal frameworks, political motivations, and potential ramifications of sanctions is essential for navigating the complexities of the global landscape. Resources like the Council on Foreign Relations’ Sanctions Tracker provide valuable insights and data on the topic.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brazil and U.S. Sanctions

1. What are the potential implications of U.S. sanctions on Brazil?

The implications can vary widely, potentially impacting trade, investment, and international cooperation between the two countries.

2. what is the role of Brazil’s Supreme Court in addressing international sanctions?

The Supreme Court may be called upon to interpret the legal implications of sanctions and ensure compliance with Brazilian law.

3. What is the main claim presented in the new book “The Machine Against Man”?

The book alleges systemic efforts to undermine former President Bolsonaro’s administration and has sparked significant debate.

4. How are U.S. Sanctions typically implemented and enforced?

U.S. Sanctions are usually defined by executive orders by the President or laws passed by Congress, and enforced by the Office of foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

5. What is the historical relationship between Brazil and the United States?

Brazil and the United States have a long-standing, albeit sometimes complex, relationship based on trade, diplomacy, and security cooperation.

What are your thoughts on the Supreme Court President’s statement? Do you believe the new book will shift the narrative surrounding the events of 2022?

Share your opinions in the comments below and help us continue the conversation.

How did trump’s sanctions policies specifically challenge European sovereignty, according to Barroso?

the Weight of Unilateral Decisions: Barroso’s Emotional Response

Former President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, delivered a remarkably candid and emotionally charged interview this week, detailing his profound disappointment and concern regarding the impact of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s sanctions policies. The exclusive interview, conducted by the Global Perspective, saw Barroso visibly moved, at times struggling to maintain composure while discussing the ramifications of the Trump management’s approach to international trade and geopolitical relations. The focus centered heavily on sanctions imposed on European companies doing business with iran, Russia, and Cuba – actions Barroso argues undermined European sovereignty and economic stability.

Specific Sanctions and Their Impact on European Businesses

Barroso specifically highlighted the extraterritorial reach of U.S. sanctions as a key point of contention. This refers to the U.S. attempting to enforce its laws on entities outside of U.S.jurisdiction.

* Iran Sanctions: the reimposition of sanctions on Iran following the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – the Iran nuclear deal – significantly impacted European companies that had re-entered the Iranian market. Companies like TotalEnergies and Peugeot faced ample financial penalties and were forced to withdraw investments.

* Russian Sanctions: Expansion of sanctions related to the conflict in Ukraine, particularly those targeting the energy sector (Nord Stream 2 pipeline), created friction with European nations reliant on Russian gas. Barroso emphasized the difficulty of balancing transatlantic alliance commitments with national energy security needs.

* Cuba Sanctions: Tightening of the U.S. embargo on Cuba, including the activation of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, allowed U.S. nationals to sue foreign companies operating on properties confiscated after the Cuban Revolution. This created legal uncertainty and deterred investment.

“It wasn’t simply about the economic damage,” Barroso stated, his voice cracking with emotion. “It was about the principle. The U.S. was essentially telling European businesses, ‘You cannot trade with these countries, even if your own governments deem it legitimate.’ That is a violation of our sovereignty.” He repeatedly used the term “economic nationalism” to describe the underlying philosophy driving the sanctions.

The EU’s Response and Limitations

The European Union attempted to counter the effects of these sanctions through several mechanisms, including:

1. blocking Statutes: these laws aimed to protect European companies from the extraterritorial request of U.S. sanctions by prohibiting compliance with them and allowing companies to sue in European courts to recover damages. However,their effectiveness was limited due to the importent financial risks associated with defying U.S. regulations.
2. Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs): The EU created spvs,such as INSTEX,to facilitate trade with Iran outside of the U.S. financial system. Though, these SPVs faced significant logistical and political challenges and ultimately had limited success.
3. WTO Challenges: The EU initiated dispute settlement proceedings at the World Trade Association (WTO) challenging the legality of certain U.S. sanctions measures. These cases are ongoing and their outcomes remain uncertain.

Barroso criticized the EU’s response as being too cautious and lacking sufficient political will. “we talked a lot about defending our interests, but we didn’t always act decisively enough,” he lamented. “The fear of provoking the United States frequently enough paralyzed us.”

The Broader Geopolitical Implications

Beyond the immediate economic consequences, Barroso warned of the long-term geopolitical implications of Trump’s sanctions policies.He argued that they:

* Undermined Multilateralism: The unilateral imposition of sanctions eroded the principles of international cooperation and the rules-based international order.

* Pushed Countries Closer Together (Outside the West): Countries targeted by U.S. sanctions,such as Russia and China,were driven to strengthen their own economic and political ties,creating a counterweight to Western influence.

* Increased Global Instability: The economic disruption caused by sanctions contributed to political instability and humanitarian crises in affected regions.

The Role of secondary Sanctions: A Deep Dive

A critical element of the Trump administration’s strategy was the use of secondary sanctions. These target not the sanctioned country directly, but third-party entities (companies and individuals) that do business with the sanctioned country. This tactic proved particularly effective in deterring European companies,as it threatened them with exclusion from the lucrative U.S. market.

The legal basis for secondary sanctions is frequently enough debated, with critics arguing they violate international law. However, the U.S. maintains that it has the right to protect its national security interests. Understanding the nuances of secondary sanctions is crucial for businesses navigating the complex landscape of international trade compliance. Trade compliance, sanctions evasion, and international law are all related search terms gaining traction.

Barroso’s Warning for the future

Barroso concluded the interview with a stark warning about the future. He expressed concern that the trend towards economic nationalism and unilateralism coudl continue under future administrations, irrespective of political affiliation. he urged the EU to strengthen its economic