History of Jair Bolsonaro in Timeline
Jair Messias Bolsonaro is a Brazilian politician and former military officer who served as the 38th president of Brazil from 2019 to 2023. Prior to his presidency, he was a member of the Chamber of Deputies for nearly three decades, from 1991 to 2019. His political career has been marked by conservative and nationalist views.
1 hour ago : Jair Bolsonaro arrested after allegedly attempting to remove ankle monitor: Police
Jair Bolsonaro was arrested by the Federal Police after allegedly trying to remove his ankle monitor, according to Justice Moraes's decision. The arrest took place in Brasília.
March 1955: Jair Bolsonaro's birth
In March 1955, Jair Messias Bolsonaro was born. He later served as the 38th president of Brazil from 2019 to 2023.
March 1955: Bolsonaro's birth in Glicério, São Paulo
On March 21, 1955, Jair Messias Bolsonaro was born in Glicério, São Paulo, Brazil, to Percy Geraldo Bolsonaro and Olinda Bonturi.
1964: Brazilian military dictatorship starts
Throughout his political career, Bolsonaro has made several admiring comments about the Brazilian military dictatorship, which ruled the country from 1964 to 1985.
1966: Family settled in Eldorado
In 1966, Bolsonaro's family settled in Eldorado, in the southern region of São Paulo state, where he grew up with his five siblings.
1973: Service in the Brazilian Army
In 1973, Bolsonaro began his service in the Brazilian Army.
1973: Admission to Escola Preparatória de Cadetes do Exército
In 1973, Bolsonaro was admitted to the Escola Preparatória de Cadetes do Exército (the prep school of the Brazilian Army).
1977: Graduation as artillery officer
In 1977, Bolsonaro graduated from the Military Academy of Agulhas Negras as an artillery officer.
1977: Graduation from Military Academy
In 1977, Bolsonaro graduated from the Military Academy of Agulhas Negras.
1985: Brazilian military dictatorship ends
Throughout his political career, Bolsonaro has made several admiring comments about the Brazilian military dictatorship, which ruled the country from 1964 to 1985.
1986: Criticism of military wages
In 1986, Bolsonaro gained publicity after writing an article for Veja magazine criticizing low military wages, leading to his arrest and detention.
1986: Interview about low military salaries
In 1986, Bolsonaro gave an interview to Veja magazine complaining about low military salaries and alleged dismissals due to budgetary cuts, gaining attention and praise from hardliners.
October 1987: Accusation of planning to plant bombs
In October 1987, Bolsonaro faced accusations reported by Veja, alleging plans to plant bombs in military units in Rio de Janeiro. Sketches were published in the magazine's next issue, detailing the alleged plan.
1987: Study in the Officers Improvement School
In 1987, Bolsonaro studied in the Officers Improvement School, where he made the Artillery Advanced Course.
December 1988: Departure from the Army
In December 1988, Bolsonaro left the Army to begin his political career after serving for 15 years and reaching the rank of captain. This occurred shortly after a ruling regarding accusations against him.
1988: Elected as city councilor
In 1988, Bolsonaro entered politics and was elected to serve as a city councilor in Rio de Janeiro, representing the Christian Democratic Party (PDC).
1988: The 1988 Brazilian Constitution
In 1988, the Brazilian Constitution did not allow independent politicians, as mentioned in the context of Bolsonaro's negotiation to enter a political party.
1988: The Constitution of Brazil of 1988 bans the death penalty
Throughout his long political career, Bolsonaro expressed views regarded as being far-right. Other controversial political stances expressed by Bolsonaro have been the defence of the death penalty, which is banned under the Constitution of Brazil of 1988
1990: Election to Chamber of Deputies
In 1990, Bolsonaro was first elected to the Chamber of Deputies as a representative for Rio de Janeiro.
1990: Elected federal deputy
In the 1990 elections, Bolsonaro was elected a federal deputy for the Christian Democratic Party.
1991: First term as federal deputy
In 1991, Bolsonaro began his first of seven consecutive terms as a federal deputy, representing the state of Rio de Janeiro.
1991: Member of the Chamber of Deputies
In 1991, Jair Bolsonaro became a member of the Chamber of Deputies, a position he held until 2019.
1993: Bolsonaro comments on military regime
In 1993, eight years after the return of democracy, Bolsonaro said that the military regime had 'led to a more sustainable and prosperous Brazil'.
1995: Death of father, Percy Geraldo Bolsonaro
In 1995, Bolsonaro's father, Percy Geraldo Bolsonaro, passed away.
1995: Bolsonaro becomes a member of the Progressistas (PP)
In 1995, Jair Bolsonaro became a member of the Progressistas (PP).
1998: Praised Pinochet Regime
In 1998, during an interview with Veja magazine, Bolsonaro praised Augusto Pinochet's Chilean dictatorship, stating that the regime, responsible for the deaths of over 3,000 Chilean citizens, "should have killed more people."
1999: Statements in Favor of Torture
In 1999, Bolsonaro declared himself in favor of torture in certain situations, such as when questioning someone about the whereabouts of a kidnapped child, advocating for brutal measures.
1999: Bolsonaro's comments on Hugo Chávez
In 1999, Bolsonaro stated that Hugo Chávez represented "hope for Latin America," a statement that later became controversial during his 2018 campaign.
1999: Endorsement of Political Violence
In 1999, Bolsonaro, then a representative in the Brazilian Congress, stated in a TV interview that the only way to change Brazil was by killing thirty thousand people, beginning with then-President Fernando Henrique Cardoso.
May 2002: Bolsonaro's comments on gay people
In May 2002, after then-President Fernando Henrique Cardoso attended a pro-gay-marriage gathering, Bolsonaro said, "If I see two men kissing in the street, I will beat them." He later publicly defended beating gay children.
2003: Bolsonaro leaves the Progressistas (PP)
In 2003, Jair Bolsonaro was no longer a member of the Progressistas (PP).
2005: Bolsonaro rejoins the Progressistas (PP)
In 2005, Jair Bolsonaro rejoined the Progressistas (PP).
2007: Third Marriage to Michelle de Paula Firmo Reinaldo
In 2007, Bolsonaro married his third and current wife, Michelle de Paula Firmo Reinaldo, with whom he has a daughter named Laura.
July 2008: Remarks on Birth Control
In July 2008, Bolsonaro provoked controversy by suggesting providing poor people with birth control methods, implying they might be too uneducated for family planning education.
December 2008: Bolsonaro defends dictatorship
In December 2008, Bolsonaro said that 'the error of the dictatorship was that it tortured, but did not kill'.
2008: Financial Crisis
In 2022, Bolsonaro praised the role of BRICS during the 2008 financial crisis and described BRICS cooperation as a "factor of stability and prosperity in the international situation".
June 2011: Comments on gay people
In a June 2011 interview with Playboy, Bolsonaro said, "I would be incapable of loving a gay son", and added that he would prefer any gay son of his "to die in an accident".
2011: Hate Speech on TV
In 2011, Bolsonaro made comments on the Custe o Que Custar television program implying that his children could not be homosexual due to their good education. These comments were later cited in a 2017 court case where he was fined for hate speech.
2011: Criticism of Affirmative Action
In 2011, Bolsonaro was accused of racism after questioning the capabilities of Black and indigenous graduates who benefited from affirmative action, expressing reluctance to fly on an airplane piloted by one of them or be operated on by a doctor admitted through racial quotas.
2011: Racist Statements on TV Show
In 2011, during an appearance on the TV show Custe o Que Custar (CQC), Bolsonaro made controversial remarks about race when asked what he would do if one of his sons had a black girlfriend. He later claimed he was misunderstood and denied promoting racism.
2013: Bolsonaro's comments in Stephen Fry's documentary
In the British actor Stephen Fry's 2013 documentary Out There, Bolsonaro said, "no father is ever proud of having a gay son" and "we Brazilians do not like homosexuals".
2014: Brazilian economic crisis
Bolsonaro focused on domestic affairs in his first months as president, dealing primarily with the fallout of the 2014 Brazilian economic crisis.
2014: Most votes in Rio de Janeiro
In 2014, Bolsonaro received the most votes for a congressman in Rio de Janeiro, with 465,000 votes.
September 2015: Convicted of hedonic damages against Maria do Rosário
In September 2015, Bolsonaro was tried and convicted in a Federal court on counts of hedonic damages against Maria do Rosário, following his controversial remarks about her.
2015: Men and women salaries
In an interview with Zero Hora in 2015, Bolsonaro argued that men and women should not receive the same salaries, because women get pregnant, adding that he believes federal law mandating paid maternity leave harms work productivity.
January 2016: Moderating Discourse on Gay People
In January 2016, Bolsonaro, as a pre-candidate to the Presidency of Brazil, began to moderate his discourse on gay people by publishing a video on his official YouTube channel.
March 2016: Interview with Elliot Page
In March 2016, during an interview with Elliot Page for Vice, Bolsonaro responded to a question about whether gay children should be beaten by making comments about Page's attractiveness and later stating that homosexuality had increased due to liberal habits and working women.
June 2016: Criminal actions opened against Bolsonaro
In June 2016, the Federal Supreme Court responded to a complaint filed by the Attorney General and decided to open two criminal actions against Bolsonaro, ruling that he had potentially incited rape and defamed the honour of his fellow Deputy.
2016: Bolsonaro Establishes Personal Motto
In 2016, Bolsonaro established his personal motto as John 8:32: "The truth will set you free".
2016: Baptized in the Jordan River
In 2016, Bolsonaro had himself baptized along with three of his sons in the Jordan River by a Pentecostal church.
2016: Bolsonaro becomes a member of the Social Christian Party (PSC)
In 2016, Jair Bolsonaro became a member of the Social Christian Party (PSC).
April 2017: Daughter out of a moment of weakness
In a public speech in April 2017, Bolsonaro said he had five children, that the first four were male and that for the fifth he produced a daughter out of "a moment of weakness".
August 2017: Sentenced to pay a fine to Rosário
In August 2017, an appellate court upheld a lower court's verdict which found Bolsonaro guilty and sentenced him to pay a fine to Rosário of R$10,000.
October 2017: Campaign rally in Miami
During an October 2017 campaign rally in Miami, Bolsonaro saluted the American flag and led chants of "USA! USA!" to a large crowd.
November 2017: Sentenced for Hate Speech
In November 2017, the Court of Justice for the State of Rio de Janeiro sentenced Bolsonaro to pay a fine of R$150,000 for hate speech related to comments he made on television in 2011. The judge stated that Bolsonaro abused his right to free expression by attacking and humiliating others.
2017: Promises to Abolish Indigenous Territories
In 2017, at an event at the Hebraica club in Rio de Janeiro, Bolsonaro promised to abolish all indigenous and Quilombola territories in Brazil, accusing Afro-Brazilians of being lazy and unproductive and making dehumanizing comments about their weight.
2017: God above everything
In a 2017 speech, Bolsonaro stated, "God above everything. There is no such thing as a secular state. The state is Christian, and any minority that is against this has to change, if they can."
2017: Government enforcement actions decreased
In the first half of 2018, Government enforcement actions such as fines, warnings and the confiscation or destruction of illegal equipment in protected areas decreased by 20% compared to the first half of 2017.
January 2018: Switched to the Social Liberal Party (PSL)
In January 2018, Bolsonaro abandoned the Social Christian Party and switched to the Social Liberal Party (PSL).
April 2018: Frontrunner status after Lula's arrest
After the Workers' Party candidate Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was arrested in April 2018, Bolsonaro became the frontrunner according to major opinion polls.
July 2018: Nomination for president
On July 22, 2018, the PSL nominated Bolsonaro for president in the 2018 election.
August 2018: Presidential debates and interviews
In August 2018, Bolsonaro attended the first presidential debate of the year on Rede Bandeirantes, another debate on RedeTV!, and was interviewed on Jornal Nacional at Rede Globo.
September 2018: Bolsonaro Stabbed During Campaign
On September 6, 2018, while campaigning in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Bolsonaro was stabbed in the abdomen. His son initially reported superficial wounds, but later disclosed the severity, including damage to the liver, lung, and intestine, leading to significant blood loss. The attack was widely condemned, and Bolsonaro was transferred to a hospital in São Paulo the following day.
October 2018: Honorary Black Belt
On 25 October 2018, Bolsonaro was presented with an honorary black belt by Robson Gracie despite never having trained Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
October 2018: Statements on Gays
On 4 October 2018, Bolsonaro stated that he has nothing against gays and that he only fights against the "gay kit" in schools.
October 2018: First round of election and controversial speech
On October 7, 2018, Bolsonaro finished first in the first round of the election with 46% of the vote, leading to a runoff against Haddad. After the first round, he gave a controversial speech threatening political opponents. A second round was held on October 28, 2018.
2018: Changed mind on military coup
As of 2018, Bolsonaro appeared to have changed his mind about instigating a military coup, stating that if someone becomes the head of the country, it would be through voting.
2018: Claims of Rigged Elections
Bolsonaro endorsed conspiracy theories of voter fraud in past elections, including claims that attempts were made to rig the 2018 presidential election against him.
2018: Statements During 2018 Campaign
During the 2018 campaign, Bolsonaro stated during a rally in Acre that the local "petralhas" would be shot. He also said that in his administration, "petralhas" and "reds" would be arrested, purged, or taken to a Navy base where dissidents of the Brazilian military dictatorship were murdered.
2018: Presidential campaign and foreign relations
During the 2018 presidential campaign, Bolsonaro outlined plans to make considerable changes to Brazil's foreign relations, including ending the praise of dictators and improving relations with democracies like the United States, Israel, and Italy. He also showed distrust towards China during the campaign, despite Brazil's significant trade surplus with the country.
2018: Residence in Barra da Tijuca
In 2018, Bolsonaro and his wife lived in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro.
2018: End of term as federal deputy
In 2018, Bolsonaro ended his service as federal deputy for Rio de Janeiro, a position he held since 1991.
2018: Presidential election and policy shift
In 2018, Bolsonaro entered the presidential election, advocating economically liberal and pro-market policies.
2018: Bolsonaro was a member of the Social Christian Party (PSC)
In 2018, Jair Bolsonaro was a member of the Social Christian Party (PSC).
2018: Bolsonaro critizises Chavismo
In 2018, during his presidential campaign, Bolsonaro presented himself as a harsh critic of Chavismo, distancing himself from his previous comments made in 1999 when he stated that Hugo Chávez represented "hope for Latin America."
2018: Venezuela Presidential Crisis
In 2018, the disputed results of the Venezuelan presidential election led to a crisis. Bolsonaro recognized Juan Guaidó as the legitimate ruler of Venezuela.
2018: Government enforcement actions decreased
In the first half of 2018, Government enforcement actions such as fines, warnings and the confiscation or destruction of illegal equipment in protected areas decreased by 20% compared to the first half of 2017.
2018: Female support rises for Bolsonaro before election
Just before the 2018 election, it was reported that female support for Bolsonaro had risen to 27%.
2018: Official records about bomb accusations surfaced
Official records unearthed by the newspaper O Estado de S. Paulo in 2018 detailed the October 1987 case, where Jair Bolsonaro was accused of planning to plant bombs in military units in Rio de Janeiro.
January 2019: Bolsonaro Takes Office as President
In January 2019, Jair Bolsonaro took office as the 38th president of Brazil, succeeding Michel Temer, after winning the second round of the election with 55.13% of the votes.
January 2019: Bolsonaro's Cabinet Formation
In January 2019, Jair Bolsonaro was sworn in as president and began assembling his cabinet, including Paulo Guedes as economy minister and Marcos Pontes as science and technology minister. The cabinet size grew to 22 members by December, surpassing his initial plan of 15.
March 2019: Bolsonaro on the 1964 coup d'état
In March 2019, Bolsonaro stated that the 1964 coup d'état, which overthrew President João Goulart, was not a coup and that March 31, the day the coup was installed, should be "properly commemorated".
March 2019: Visit to Israel
In March 2019, Bolsonaro visited Israel during the final weeks of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's re-election campaign, where he was warmly welcomed. However, his announcement that the State of Palestine "is not a country" and his vow not to negotiate with terrorists were met with condemnation from the Arab League.
April 2019: American Museum of Natural History canceled event
In April 2019, the American Museum of Natural History canceled an event honouring Bolsonaro after facing heavy public criticism.
May 2019: Bolsonaro's Popularity Declined
In May 2019, a Datafolha survey indicated that more Brazilians disapproved of Bolsonaro's government than approved of it for the first time. Gustavo Bebianno, a top advisor, was also fired due to allegations of campaign-finance fraud.
May 2019: Federal Court finds Adélio Bispo not liable
In May 2019, the Federal Court found Adélio Bispo de Oliveira, Bolsonaro's attacker, not liable for his actions due to a "permanent paranoid delusional disorder". Bolsonaro did not appeal the decision.
May 2019: Bolsonaro awards Olavo de Carvalho
On May 1, 2019, Jair Bolsonaro awarded Olavo de Carvalho the Order of Rio Branco honorific order. Carvalho, a conservative writer, was openly admired by Bolsonaro.
June 2019: Destruction of the Amazon rainforest increased
In June 2019, during Bolsonaro's first year as president, destruction of the Amazon rainforest increased by 88% compared to the previous year, according to the National Institute for Space Research (INPE).
October 2019: End of visa requirements for Chinese and Indian entry into Brazil
In October 2019, during a state visit to China, Bolsonaro announced the end of the need for visas for Chinese and Indian entry into Brazil, following the removal of visa requirements for people from the US, Canada, Japan, and Australia.
November 2019: Bolsonaro Leaves Social Liberal Party
In November 2019, Bolsonaro left the Social Liberal Party due to conflicts with its leadership. His attempt to form a new party, Alliance for Brazil, failed to gather enough signatures for registration.
2019: Bolsonaro rejects the scientific consensus on climate change.
In 2019, Bolsonaro rejects the scientific consensus on climate change. He repeatedly threatened to withdraw from the Paris Agreement during his campaign. Even before taking office, he backed out of Brazil's offer to host the 2019 UN Climate Change Conference.
2019: Served as the 38th president of Brazil
In 2019, Jair Bolsonaro started serving as the 38th president of Brazil.
2019: Lawsuit dismissed
In 2019, this lawsuit was dismissed by the Supreme Federal Court as Bolsonaro was inaugurated as president and acquired immunity from prosecution.
2019: Praised Alfredo Stroessner
In 2019, while already in power, Bolsonaro praised Paraguayan dictator Alfredo Stroessner as a "visionary" and "statesman", drawing immediate criticism due to multiple allegations of pedophilia against Stroessner.
June 2020: Cabinet Resignations
By June 2020, several ministers in Bolsonaro's cabinet, including the ministers of Justice and Education, the Secretary of Government, and the head of the postal service, had resigned due to ideological clashes and falling out of favor with Bolsonaro.
August 2020: Approval Rating Recovery
In August 2020, amidst the pandemic, Bolsonaro's approval rating showed signs of recovery, reaching its highest level since his inauguration.
November 2020: COVID-19 Vaccine Stance and OCCRP Award
In November 2020, Bolsonaro said he would not take a COVID vaccine but would support it if deemed safe. The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) awarded him its Person of the Year Award for promoting organized crime and corruption.
2020: Questioning US Election Outcome
Bolsonaro has questioned the outcome of the 2020 United States presidential election, echoing conspiracy theories about voter fraud.
2020: Bolsonaro Downplays COVID-19
Throughout 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, Bolsonaro was accused of downplaying the crisis, claiming it was no deadlier than "the flu" and prioritizing economic recovery over public health.
March 2021: Dismissal of Defence Minister and Resignations
In March 2021, Bolsonaro dismissed Fernando Azevedo e Silva as defence minister, replacing him with Walter Souza Braga Netto, who, like Bolsonaro, admired the 1964–1985 military dictatorship. The day after Netto's appointment, the leaders of the army, air force, and navy all resigned.
June 2021: Calls for Impeachment
By the end of June 2021, opposition members increasingly called for Bolsonaro's impeachment, citing his handling of the pandemic and spreading of misinformation.
June 2021: Nationwide Protests Erupt
In June 2021, nationwide protests erupted against Bolsonaro's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, with approximately 100,000 protesters in São Paulo alone.
July 2021: "vaccine-gate" scandal emerges
In July 2021, Bolsonaro claimed that his government's greatest achievement was "two and a half years without corruption". In the same month, the "vaccine-gate" scandal emerged, revealing irregularities in a deal to purchase the Covaxin vaccine from Bharat Biotech at an inflated price, leading to a Supreme Court criminal investigation of Bolsonaro.
July 2021: Appointment of Ciro Noguiera
On July 28, 2021, Bolsonaro appointed Ciro Nogueira, a senator implicated in the Odebrecht corruption case, as his chief of staff.
August 2021: Threats of Unconstitutional Measures
In early August 2021, Bolsonaro threatened to respond with unconstitutional measures to an investigation over his baseless allegations of fraud vulnerabilities in Brazil's electronic voting system.
October 2021: Senate Committee Calls for Criminal Charges
On October 26, 2021, a Senate committee approved a report calling for Bolsonaro to face criminal charges, including crimes against humanity, for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
November 2021: Bolsonaro joins the Liberal Party
In November 2021, Jair Bolsonaro and his son Senator Flávio Bolsonaro joined the Liberal Party (PL) in preparation for the 2022 general election. This move was seen by political analysts as a consolidation of Bolsonaro's alliance with the Centrão.
2021: Brazilian economy was bouncing back
In early 2021, despite Bolsonaro claiming that COVID-19 was no deadlier than "the flu", the Brazilian economy was bouncing back, albeit somewhat slowly and inconsistently, as the pandemic was still threatening to undo any economic recovery.
January 2022: Death of mother, Olinda Bonturi Bolsonaro
On January 21, 2022, Bolsonaro's mother, Olinda Bonturi Bolsonaro, died at the age of 94.
May 2022: CIA Warning on Electoral System Attacks
In May 2022, Central Intelligence Agency director William Burns warned Bolsonaro against any further attacks on Brazil's electoral system.
June 2022: Bolsonaro defends former education minister
In June 2022, Jair Bolsonaro defended his former education minister, Milton Ribeiro, after Ribeiro was arrested on corruption charges.
December 2022: Bolsonaro presents plan to overturn election
In December 2022, Marco Antônio Freire Gomes said that he had warned Bolsonaro the army would not tolerate "any act of institutional rupture", and further added that Bolsonaro's actions could result in his arrest. Carlos de Almeida Baptista Júnior testified that he tried to dissuade Bolsonaro of "any extreme measure" and expressed his belief that Freire Gomes was instrumental in avoiding the use of a legal document that Bolsonaro presented in several meetings in December 2022 to overturn the results of the election.
2022: Praised BRICS role during the 2008 financial crisis
In 2022, Bolsonaro praised the role of BRICS during the 2008 financial crisis and described BRICS cooperation as a "factor of stability and prosperity in the international situation".
2022: Accusations of overturning the 2022 election results
In February 2024, the Federal Police raided former government officials and ordered Bolsonaro to hand in his passport over accusations that he and his allies tried to overturn the results of the 2022 election and planned a coup d'état. In March 2024, witness documents released by the Superior Electoral Court were made public. According to two military officials, Bolsonaro had plotted to overturn the 2022 results and presented top military officials a plan to carry out a coup with the goal of keeping him in power.
2022: Loss in general election
In the 2022 general election, Bolsonaro lost to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
2022: Bolsonaro prosecuted on fraud charges in the 2022 elections
On June 30, 2023 the Superior Electoral Court barred Bolsonaro from running for public office until 2030 as a result of his attempts to undermine the validity of Brazil's 2022 democratic election, as well as for abuse of power with regard to using government channels to promote his campaign. He was prosecuted on several fraud charges in the 2022 elections and situations linked to the 8 January attack on federal government buildings.
2022: Bolsonaro's Defeat in the 2022 presidential elections
On November 21, 2024, the Federal Police indicted Bolsonaro and 36 other people related to Bolsonaro's defeat in the 2022 presidential elections. He is alleged to have known of a plot to assassinate his successor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and to overturn the election result.
January 2023: Attack on government buildings by Bolsonaro supporters
On January 8, 2023, Bolsonaro's supporters attacked the Supreme Court of Brazil, the National Congress, and the Planalto Presidential Palace in an attempt to instigate a military coup. Bolsonaro condemned the protesters on January 9, 2023, in a Twitter post and denied responsibility.
January 2023: Storming of government buildings by supporters
On January 8, 2023, a mob of Bolsonaro's supporters stormed federal government buildings, calling for a coup d'état.
March 2023: Bolsonaro returns to Brazil
In March 2023, Jair Bolsonaro returned to Brazil for the first time since his supporters stormed government buildings. He stated his intention to help his party and campaign for the 2024 elections.
April 2023: Supreme Court orders Bolsonaro to be questioned
On April 14, 2023, Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes ordered Jair Bolsonaro to submit himself for questioning with the Federal Police regarding the storming of the Congress.
June 2023: Bolsonaro barred from public office until 2030
On June 30, 2023, the Superior Electoral Court barred Jair Bolsonaro from running for public office until 2030 due to his attempts to undermine the validity of Brazil's 2022 democratic election, as well as abuse of power.
October 2023: Bolsonaro convicted by the Superior Electoral Court
On October 31, 2023, Jair Bolsonaro was again convicted by the Superior Electoral Court for abuse of power during Brazil's Independence Day ceremony. Former defence minister Walter Braga Netto was also convicted and disqualified.
2023: End of presidency
In 2023, Jair Bolsonaro's term as the 38th president of Brazil ended.
February 2024: Federal Police raid and passport confiscation
In February 2024, the Federal Police raided former government officials and ordered Jair Bolsonaro to hand in his passport over accusations of attempts to overturn the 2022 election and planning a coup d'état.
March 2024: Release of witness documents on coup plot
In March 2024, witness documents released by the Superior Electoral Court revealed that Jair Bolsonaro had plotted to overturn the 2022 election results and presented a coup plan to top military officials.
March 2024: Release of footage showing Bolsonaro in Hungarian embassy
In late March 2024, The New York Times released footage showing Jair Bolsonaro entering the Hungarian embassy in Brasília on February 12 and leaving on February 14, after his passports were confiscated due to a coup investigation. The Hungarian ambassador reportedly had local employees work from home during those dates.
March 2024: Bolsonaro accused of fraud on COVID-19 vaccine records
On March 19, 2024, the Federal Police formally accused Jair Bolsonaro of fraud on his COVID-19 vaccine records.
July 2024: Bolsonaro charged with money laundering
In July 2024, the Federal Police charged Jair Bolsonaro with money laundering and criminal conspiracy related to undeclared diamonds he allegedly received from Saudi Arabia while in office.
November 2024: Bolsonaro charged with plotting a coup d'état
In November 2024, Jair Bolsonaro and 36 others were formally charged with plotting a coup d'état, violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, and criminal organisation.
November 2024: Indictment by the Federal Police of Brazil
In November 2024, Jair Bolsonaro was indicted by the Federal Police of Brazil of multiple crimes related to the coup.
November 2024: Bolsonaro indicted over election defeat
On November 21, 2024, the Federal Police indicted Jair Bolsonaro and 36 other people related to Bolsonaro's defeat in the 2022 presidential elections. He is alleged to have known of a plot to assassinate his successor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and to overturn the election result.
2024: Release of "Apocalypse in the Tropics" documentary
In 2024, the documentary "Apocalypse in the Tropics" was released, depicting how evangelical pastor Silas Malafaia influenced Jair Bolsonaro, garnered support from Brazil's evangelical movement, and impacted the events leading to Bolsonaro's election loss and subsequent protests and insurrection.
2024: Bolsonaro plans to campaign for the 2024 elections
In March 2023, Bolsonaro asserted that he intended to campaign for the 2024 elections.
February 2025: Bolsonaro charged with plotting to assassinate Lula da Silva
In February 2025, Jair Bolsonaro and 33 others were formally charged with plotting to assassinate Lula da Silva and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
February 2025: Charged and ordered to stand trial
In February 2025, Jair Bolsonaro was charged, and the Supreme Court ruled he must stand trial.
May 2025: Trial against Bolsonaro begins
On May 19, 2025, the trial against Jair Bolsonaro and 80 other officials began in Brasília.
July 2025: Police search Bolsonaro's home
On July 18, 2025, police again searched Jair Bolsonaro's home and ordered him to wear an electronic ankle tag.
July 2025: Trump criticizes Bolsonaro's prosecution
On July 9, 2025, US President Donald Trump criticized the criminal prosecution of Jair Bolsonaro, accused Brazil of being an unfair trading partner, and made claims regarding tariffs. This led to comparisons with Trump's own legal issues and Lula's arrest.
August 2025: Placed under house arrest
On August 4, 2025, Jair Bolsonaro was placed under house arrest for using a mobile phone and accessing social media via his son Eduardo, violating pre-trial rules.
September 2025: Bolsonaro sentenced to prison
On September 11, 2025, the Supreme Federal Court sentenced Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and 3 months in prison over the coup plot.
September 16, 2025: Hospitalization and Diagnosis
On September 16, 2025, Bolsonaro's son was transported to a hospital in Brasília after reportedly feeling sick.
2030: Bolsonaro is barred from running for public office until 2030
On June 30, 2023, the Superior Electoral Court barred Jair Bolsonaro from running for public office until 2030 as a result of his attempts to undermine the validity of Brazil's 2022 democratic election, as well as for abuse of power with regard to using government channels to promote his campaign.
2030: Blocked from seeking office
On June 30, 2030, the Superior Electoral Court blocked Bolsonaro from seeking office until 2030 for attempting to undermine the validity of the election through his unfounded claims of voter fraud, and for abusing his power by using government communication channels to both promote his campaign and to allege fraud.
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