Trump designates Brazilian gangs as “terrorist organizations” in new imperialist intervention in Latin America
The US State Department designated Brazilian gangs PCC and Comando Vermelho as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists on May 28, following meetings between Flávio Bolsonaro and US officials. The move is seen as a political intervention ahead of Brazil’s October presidential election, with Flávio Bolsonaro framing it as a counter to President Lula’s diplomacy with Washington.
The US State Department designated the Brazilian criminal gangs Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV) as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists on May 28. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision, calling the groups ‘two of Brazil’s most violent criminal organizations’ with influence extending beyond Brazil into the Western Hemisphere. Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau described them as a ‘grave threat to security’ for both Brazil and the US. The announcement followed a visit to Washington by Brazilian senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who met with President Trump, Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance. Flávio Bolsonaro stated his visit aimed to counter President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s recent White House diplomacy, claiming Lula had lobbied to protect PCC and CV. After the designation, Flávio Bolsonaro celebrated the move, accusing Lula’s government of complicity with organized crime and vowing to ‘liberate’ Brazil from such threats starting in 2027. Brazil’s Liberal Party, led by Chamber of Deputies Foreign Relations Committee head Luiz Philippe de Orleans e Bragança, praised the US decision, contrasting it with Brazil’s current government’s approach. São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas, who coordinates Flávio Bolsonaro’s campaign in the state, congratulated the senator for his ‘firm coordination’ with the US. The move is seen as a direct US intervention in Brazil’s domestic politics ahead of the October election. The designation carries immediate implications, including potential sanctions and resource restrictions on the gangs. It also raises concerns about US influence in Brazil’s political landscape, particularly as Flávio Bolsonaro positions himself as an alternative to Lula’s administration. Analysts note the timing aligns with efforts to shape Brazil’s electoral outcome in favor of Bolsonaro-aligned candidates.
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