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U.S. classifies PCC and CV as terrorist organizations; Lula government criticizes

24 sources · 29 May 2026 · Share coverage ·

verbatim from the press paraphrased composed from multiple sources

The United States classified the First Capital Command (PCC) and Red Command (CV) as terrorist organizations on Thursday (28), with the measure taking effect on June 5. The State Department designated the factions as "Specially Designated Global Terrorists" and "Foreign Terrorist Organizations," according to an official statement.

Press quotes (1)
Static

"Today, the U.S. Department of State is designating Comando Vermelho (CV) and Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) and intends to designate both groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), effective June 5, 2026."

The announcement was made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio two days after Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) met with President Donald Trump at the White House. The congressman, pre-candidate for the Presidency, stated that he personally asked Trump to classify the Brazilian factions as terrorists. "Great day," Flávio wrote on social media after the decision.

Press quotes (2)
Folha de S.Paulo

"O anúncio foi feito dois dias após Flávio Bolsonaro se encontrar com Trump"

G1

"Grande dia, disse Flávio Bolsonaro nas redes sociais"

The Presidency's special advisor for international affairs, Celso Amorim, reacted to the measure stating that "international cooperation is welcome, especially in matters like money laundering and arms smuggling," but that "pretext for intervention is unacceptable." The Brazilian government had been working to prevent the classification, fearing it could open space for harsher U.S. actions on national territory.

Press quotes (1)
G1

"Segurança pública é um tema fundamental para o desenvolvimento socioeconômico. Crime organizado é um mal que tem que ser combatido. Cooperação internacional é bem-vinda, especialmente em temas como lavagem de dinheiro e contrabando de armas. Pretexto para intervenção é inaceitável"

According to the U.S. State Department, the factions "command thousands of members and have orchestrated brutal attacks against Brazilian police officers, public officials and civilians," with influence extending "beyond Brazil's borders." The measure allows the U.S. to freeze assets linked to the organizations and restrict their access to the American financial system.

Press quotes (1)
NSC Total

"Juntas, comandam milhares de membros e têm orquestrado ataques brutais contra policiais brasileiros, servidores públicos e civis. Sua influência e atos ilícitos ultrapassam as fronteiras do Brasil"

1. What we know (1)

The American decision occurred two days after Flávio Bolsonaro's meeting with Trump

4 sources A Gazeta G1 Folha de S.Paulo Valor Econômico
2. Where coverage thins out (3)

Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.

Covered by only some sources (2)

Eduardo Bolsonaro stated that factions could be fought 'like Bin Laden was'

Brazilian Public Security Forum criticized electoral use of the measure

Reported by: CNN Brasil

Conflicting versions (1)

Brazilian government position on the measure

3 sources — "Lula government was against and working to prevent the measure": G1 Exame Gazeta do Povo
1 source — "Lula said after meeting with Trump that classification had not been discussed": Gazeta do Povo
3. What we don't know yet (3)
  • What will be the specific economic impacts of the measure on Brazil?

    Why it's still unknown: Sources mention possible damage to the economy and tourism, but do not detail specific sectors or quantify losses

    Did not cover: Valor Econômico InfoMoney
  • How will the Itamaraty formally respond to the American decision?

    Why it's still unknown: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet received formal communication from the U.S. and has not officially commented

    Did not cover: G1 Valor Econômico
  • What type of military actions could the U.S. conduct based on this classification?

    Why it's still unknown: Eduardo Bolsonaro mentioned the possibility of combat "like Bin Laden," but there are no details about specific planned operations

    Did not cover: Exame Estado de Minas

All sources

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