Brazilian Presidential Election Loser Flavio Bolsonaro Travels to US Amid Passport Row
Brazilian right-wing leader Flavio Bolsonaro has reportedly left Brazil following his defeat in the presidential election on October 25, triggering political controversy. A close associate and US officials confirmed on Tuesday that Bolsonaro was travelling to the United States, according to Reuters. He has already refused to accept the election results. Meanwhile, Brazil’s Supreme Court had ordered him to surrender his passport as part of a money laundering investigation, but he failed to comply.
Brazil held the second round of its presidential election on Sunday. Incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva secured a fourth term by defeating Flavio Bolsonaro by approximately 4.4 million votes.
According to the final results, Lula received around 51.8% of the votes, while Bolsonaro secured 48.2%. Flavio had led in the first round, but a second round was held because no candidate secured the required majority. Following the announcement of the results, Flavio questioned the voting process. He objected to the extension of voting hours at certain polling stations and demanded that the results be annulled.
On Monday, the day after the election, Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered Flavio Bolsonaro to surrender his passport to the Federal Police within 24 hours.
The order was issued in connection with the money laundering investigation against him. Bolsonaro has denied the allegations. The deadline expired on Tuesday, but he did not submit the documents. The Federal Police subsequently cancelled his passports and began the process of informing the court that he had failed to comply with the order.
A senior US State Department official told Reuters that visas would be issued to Flavio Bolsonaro and his family to enter the United States.
His wife and two daughters were also reported to be travelling to the US. However, the exact whereabouts of all family members were initially unclear. Speculation has also emerged that Bolsonaro may seek political asylum in the United States, but there has been no official confirmation that asylum has been granted.
Following Flavio’s sudden departure from Brazil, questions also emerged about his travel route. Reports indicated that he had passed through the Puerto Iguazu area of Argentina. Brazilian police found no record of his departure through a regular immigration checkpoint. Argentine authorities also denied having a record of his entry into the country.
As a result, it remains unclear which route he used to leave Brazil. This aspect has become an important part of the authorities’ investigation.
Flavio’s father, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, also travelled to the United States after losing the 2022 election to Lula. He had likewise refused to accept the election results. After returning to Brazil, he faced trial over an alleged conspiracy to stage a coup to remain in power. He was subsequently sentenced to more than 27 years in prison. Flavio’s latest trip to the United States is now being compared with his father’s earlier decision.
US President Donald Trump has previously expressed support for the Bolsonaro family and questioned the judicial proceedings against Jair Bolsonaro. Meanwhile, President Lula has accused the US government of interfering in Brazil’s domestic politics. Flavio’s departure from Brazil and the reported issuance of US visas to his family have raised the possibility of increased tensions between the two countries.
Brazilian investigative agencies’ actions and Bolsonaro’s next legal steps remain under scrutiny. Official information regarding his legal status in the United States is also awaited.
