Flavio Bolsonaro’s U.S. Arrival Raises Questions After Brazil Election Defeat
Arrival in the United States
A source close to Flavio Bolsonaro’s family said the senator had reached the United States after leaving Brazil following Sunday’s presidential election. The source said he landed in Florida but did not identify the location. Three sources said the US State Department was expected to issue entry visas to Bolsonaro and his family. US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he would approve of Bolsonaro coming to the country, calling his family “fine people.”
Court order and passports
A Supreme Court ruling ordered Bolsonaro’s passports seized amid a money laundering investigation. Bolsonaro denies wrongdoing, and the court cited concern he might flee Brazil as well as his “significant financial resources.” The passports were canceled after a deadline passed, sources said. Bolsonaro had said he never considered leaving Brazil and would surrender his passports to defend himself. It remains unclear how he departed while subject to a 24-hour deadline.
Election defeat and political fallout
His departure could widen a rift between Brazil and the United States. Trump has previously claimed Bolsonaro’s father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, faced judicial persecution in Brazil. Jair Bolsonaro was later sentenced to 27 years for plotting a coup after supporters stormed government buildings in Brasilia.
Key points
- Flavio Bolsonaro arrived in the United States after losing Brazil’s presidential election, a family source said.
- A Supreme Court order to seize his passports was linked to a money laundering probe; Bolsonaro denies wrongdoing.
- It is unclear how Bolsonaro left Brazil despite a 24-hour deadline.
- His Liberal Party acknowledged Lula’s victory, although Bolsonaro has not formally conceded.