Lula distances himself from Supreme Court minister amid scandal

In early September 2026, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sought to distance himself from Supreme Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes, following revelations about messages between Moraes and a businessman named Vorcaro. According to reports, Lula told bankers and business leaders at a private dinner that he had not called Galípolo a traitor, and he discussed concerns about interest rates and public security. Meanwhile, other presidential candidates criticized Moraes, and former ministers under ex-President Bolsonaro reportedly acted as intermediaries between Vorcaro and Moraes. Supreme Court justices fear the leaked messages could fuel new impeachment efforts against Moraes.