Flavio Bolsonaro, USA News (Palm Beach, Florida): Donald Trump has stated that Flavio Bolsonaro, who lost Brazil’s presidential election, is welcome to remain in the United States. Mr Bolsonaro, a Brazilian Senator and son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, traveled to the US after losing the presidential contest to left-wing incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
The US President made the remarks during a Halloween gathering at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida. He told reporters that he had no plans to meet with the senator, but stated that he believed Mr Bolsonaro was treated very shabbily and can remain in the country for as long as he desires. Mr Trump also expressed his personal opinion that the election was a disgrace.
President Lula secured 51.67 per cent of the vote, while Mr Bolsonaro received 48.24 per cent. Following the announcement of the results, the conservative politician challenged the outcome, citing a two-hour extension in voting due to alleged voter transportation issues, and argued it was impossible to recognize the results because of the delay. Mr Bolsonaro was subsequently ordered to surrender his passport amid concerns he might travel to Florida, mirroring actions taken by his father Jair in December 2022 before a subsequent conviction and 27-year sentence related to coup plotting. Although he insisted he would not leave the country, Mr Bolsonaro traveled to Florida after the passport surrender deadline passed. Mr Trump confirmed he approved of the senator leaving the country, despite not having endorsed either candidate.
In a deleted social media letter, the Brazilian senator asserted he was the president-elect and alleged that criminals who stole the election formed a criminal organization establishing tyranny. Conversely, his political party, the Liberal Party, recognized President Lula’s victory. Mr Bolsonaro faces a criminal investigation regarding an alleged money-laundering scheme, though he has held special lawmaker immunity for 24 years and denies the allegations. His brother Eduardo currently resides in self-exile in Texas following a conviction in absentia in Brazil.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated he met with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira during the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to de-escalate tensions between their nations, with plans to meet again before the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Miami, Florida, in December. Mr Rubio maintained that the US government was not directly involved in moves to assist Mr Bolsonaro’s departure from Brazil. Questions remain regarding how Mr Bolsonaro departed Brazil while his passports were ordered suspended, with reports from outlets including The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times suggesting a White House official was involved in arranging a private jet.
