Brazil bars US from key democracy forum at UN
Brazil has denied the United States a seat at its “Defense of Democracy” forum, held September 19, 2025, in New York City
NEW YORK, United States (MNTV) – Brazil has denied the United States a seat at its “Defense of Democracy” forum, held September 19, 2025, in New York City.
The meeting, co-hosted by Spain, Uruguay, Colombia, and Chile, gathered nearly 30 democracies to address inequality and disinformation.
The exclusion reflects a worsening rift between Brasília and Washington. Earlier this year, the US imposed a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian exports, revoked visas for top judges, and sanctioned Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes under the Magnitsky Act.
Brazilian diplomats argued that only fully independent democracies should take part in the forum.
Tensions deepened after Brazil’s top court sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison for plotting a coup.
US officials demanded the trial be dropped and threatened further sanctions, which Brazil viewed as interference aimed at undermining its judiciary and electoral system.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who will open the UN General Assembly on September 23, has warned that modern threats to democracy no longer come from tanks but from “hate-fueling algorithms and economic coercion.”
By excluding Washington, Brazil signaled a rare rebuke of its largest trading partner.
Diplomats and analysts said the move underscores Lula’s determination to defend judicial independence and counter external pressure.
Business leaders now fear the dispute could spark further trade retaliation. Observers suggest the clash may reshape alliances in the global effort to safeguard democracy and curb digital manipulation.
Co-hosting nations emphasized that the defense of democracy requires respecting courts, elections, and civil rights. While the forum remains open to statements from invited governments, its outcome may influence future trade and human-rights policies worldwide.
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