Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the U.S. chargé d’affaires in Brasília, Gabriel Escobar, on Thursday to protest a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy expressing support for former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently on trial over charges related to an alleged coup attempt.

The ministry stated that the summons was made to seek clarifications regarding the statement, which echoed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s position in favor of Bolsonaro.

Brazilian authorities emphasized that respect for the independence of its judicial institutions is fundamental to maintaining balanced diplomatic relations, stressing that Bolsonaro’s ongoing trial is an internal matter handled according to Brazilian law.

The incident adds strain to the already complex relationship between Brasília and Washington, as Bolsonaro seeks to reassert his political influence amid a polarized domestic landscape.