Bolsonaro Coup Attempt: Brazil Ex-President Admits Discussing Options
Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s ex-president, denies masterminding a coup but admits to discussing “option ways” to cling to power after his 2022 election defeat, which is the primary_keyword. Facing trial, the former leader conceded to exploring options, including deploying military forces and suspending civil liberties, to remain in office after losing to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the secondary_keyword. The trial, a historic first, includes high-ranking military officers, and Bolsonaro also offered an apology for accusing justices of election rigging, using the hearing as a political stage. News Directory 3 brings you the latest updates on this developing story. Witness the unfolding drama and discover what’s next in this pivotal moment for Brazilian democracy.
bolsonaro Denies Coup Plot in Brazil Supreme Court Trial
Updated June 10, 2025
former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, facing trial in the Supreme Court, has denied orchestrating a far-right coup plot after his 2022 election loss. Tho, Bolsonaro admitted to participating in meetings where “alternative ways” to remain in power were discussed after Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s victory.
During questioning, Bolsonaro, 70, stated that his team explored options “within the constitution” following the electoral court’s confirmation of Lula’s win.These options included deploying military forces and suspending civil liberties, but Bolsonaro insisted such discussions did not constitute an attempted coup.
“A coup is something abominable,” Bolsonaro said. “Brazil could not go through something like that, and such a hypothesis was never even considered during my government.” He acknowledged that allies considered declaring a state of siege but did not pursue it due to a lack of support.
Bolsonaro also used the hearing as a political platform, defending his administration and criticizing Lula’s current term. He apologized to justice Alexandre de Moraes and other justices for claiming they received money to rig the election, calling it “rhetoric.”
Despite being barred from running for office in a separate case, Bolsonaro joked with Moraes, inviting him to be his running mate in 2026. Moraes declined.
Bolsonaro is the sixth defendant questioned in the trial of eight men considered the “nucleus” of the attempted coup. The accused include former ministers and military officers. This marks the first time high-ranking military officers have faced trial for an attempted coup in Brazil.
“What was most striking … was the casual atmosphere in which a coup d’état was discussed within the Bolsonaro government.”
Lt. Col. Mauro Cid, Bolsonaro’s former aide-de-camp, testified that Bolsonaro edited a draft decree calling for the arrest of authorities and the creation of a commission to organize new elections. Cid also stated that Bolsonaro sought to find “fraud” in the voting system to convince the armed forces to intervene.
What’s next
Following the defendants’ testimony, the prosecution and defense will have the opportunity to request further inquiries. The trial verdict is expected in the second half of the year,determining the consequences for those involved in the alleged coup attempt and its impact on Brazilian democracy.