Flavio Bolsonaro Flees to Florida, Trump’s Support Sparks Controversy
Brazilian senator and defeated presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro has reportedly fled to the United States with his family following his loss in the country’s recently concluded presidential election, defying a court-imposed travel ban and an order to surrender his passport. International media published footage showing his private aircraft landing at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport in Florida on Wednesday, October 28, local time.
Flavio reportedly left Brazil in secrecy shortly after losing the election to the country’s incumbent left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Brazil’s Supreme Court had imposed strict restrictions on his travel and ordered him to surrender his passport as part of ongoing money laundering and corruption investigations. Defying the court’s orders, he reportedly travelled first to Argentina and then through Ecuador before reaching Miami aboard a private charter aircraft.
US President Donald Trump is reportedly believed to have indirectly supported the move. Before Flavio arrived in Miami, Trump told reporters that he would allow Flavio Bolsonaro and his family to enter the United States. Trump described the Bolsonaro family as “good people” and called Brazil’s election “suspicious” and “terrible”. The US State Department subsequently announced that entry visas would be issued to them.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s re-elected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva strongly condemned Flavio Bolsonaro’s reported escape. Addressing supporters in the capital, Brasília, Lula said, “If he were innocent, he could have stayed in the country and fought his legal battle. Fleeing in this manner in defiance of a court order is deeply shameful.”
Political analysts say the sudden departure of the prominent right-wing Brazilian leader for the United States, coupled with the warm reception reportedly offered by the US administration, has heightened tensions in Latin American politics and Washington’s diplomatic relations. His reported escape route through Argentina could also create significant diplomatic friction across South America.
