- Lawyers for Trump Media are challenging a decision by Brazilian Minister Dias Toffoli that concentrates investigations under Alexandre de moraes’s office.
- The legal challenge is related to the “Fake News Inquiry,” established during Toffoli’s tenure.
- The Trump governance is reportedly considering sanctions against several Brazilian officials, potentially including Toffoli.
WASHINGTON, June 20, 2025 – Tensions are brewing as lawyers representing Trump Media are taking aim at a decision made by Brazilian Minister Dias Toffoli. This decision has led to the consolidation of investigations within the office of Alexandre de Moraes, a move that has sparked controversy and drawn the ire of the former president’s legal team.
trump’s legal team is fighting back against a controversial Brazilian inquiry while the U.S.government contemplates sanctions.
The core of the dispute centers on the so-called “Fake News Inquiry,” which was put in place during Toffoli’s time as head of the Supreme Court. Six lawyers have come forward to challenge the inquiry in the United States, adding another layer to the complex legal battle.
Did you know?-The “Fake News Inquiry” isn’t the only inquiry of its kind globally. several countries have launched similar inquiries to combat disinformation, raising debates about free speech and government overreach.
The Inquiry’s Origins
The lawyers’ criticism stems from the belief that the inquiry was launched after Minister Toffoli was mentioned in a report. The report connected him to the contractor Odebrecht.
According to a Brazilian newspaper from March 2018, Minister José Antonio Dias Toffoli, a colleague of Moraes, was implicated in Operation Lava Jato and linked to odebrecht, a conglomerate that admitted to paying around $788 million in bribes. Following the report, on March 14, 2019, the Supreme Court, under Toffoli, established inquiry no. 4781, commonly known as the “fake news survey.”
Reader question:-Given the global implications of misinformation, how should governments balance the need to combat “fake news” with the protection of free speech and journalistic integrity?
The lawyers assert that the Supreme Court utilized article 43 of its own regulations, usually reserved for administrative matters, to unilaterally authorize a criminal investigation. This bypassed prosecutors and district courts, leading to accusations of unconstitutionality.
U.S. Eyes Possible Sanctions
The focus on Toffoli is especially relevant now because the United States government, under Donald Trump, is weighing whether to extend sanctions to more Brazilian officials. A text outlining potential punishments for Moraes was reportedly presented to Secretary of State marco Rubio on Sunday, June 22, 2025.
The initial focus of the Trump administration’s sanctions appears to be directed at Alexandre de Moraes.
Further down the line, sanctions might be considered for Paulo Gonet, who leads the Attorney General’s Office, due to the opinions he has provided that have influenced Moraes’ decisions.
As the legal and political landscape shifts,the Federal Supreme Court has signaled that it won’t be backing down,regardless of potential sanctions. The court intends to continue its work, particularly in the cases involving former president Jair Bolsonaro and the regulation of social networks.
The Broader Context: Global Battles Against Disinformation
The legal skirmish between Trump Media and Brazilian authorities isn’t an isolated incident. The fight against the spread of disinformation,often referred to as “fake news,” is a worldwide phenomenon,impacting governments,media outlets,and citizens alike. This effort involves not only the Brazilian
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