Former Brazilian presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro arrived in Miami early Wednesday morning, stepping off a private charter at Opa‑Locka Executive Airport surrounded by his wife and two daughters. The 45‑year‑old senator, a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, had fled Brazil after refusing to concede the election to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Visa approval and Trump’s welcome
The Trump administration granted visas to Bolsonaro and his family earlier this week, a move President Trump praised as a sign of America’s openness to allies who share our values. “They are fine people,” Trump said, emphasizing that the United States remains a safe haven for those facing political persecution abroad.
Journey through South America
According to Argentine officials and flight‑tracking data, Bolsonaro left Brazil for Argentina on Tuesday, traveling with his wife and daughters before crossing into Ecuador. Flavio’s plane landed in Guayaquil around 4 a.m. local time and took off minutes later for Miami, where the family arrived at about 9:30 a.m. EDT.
Legal troubles back home
Brazil’s Supreme Court is investigating Bolsonaro for alleged corruption, money‑laundering and tax‑evasion. The court ordered him to surrender his Brazilian passports, and a diplomat indicated he may have used an Italian passport to enter Argentina. Bolsonaro’s father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, also fled to Florida after losing the 2022 election, later returning to Brazil.
Lula’s reaction
President Lula, who turned 81 on Tuesday, called Bolsonaro’s departure “shameful” and said the former candidate could have stayed in Brazil to prove the accusations against him were false. Lula’s government, backed by the Organization of American States and other world leaders, has already been recognized as the legitimate winner of the election.
Regional diplomatic ripple
Bolsonaro’s route through Argentina could strain relations between Lula’s administration and Argentine President Javier Milei, another Trump ally who recently visited Brazil to support Bolsonaro’s campaign. Milei’s spokesperson praised the rescue of Bolsonaro from what he called “the claws of communism.”
What’s next for Bolsonaro?
In a video posted on X, Bolsonaro claimed he remains the “president‑elect” and called the election a “criminal tyranny.” He later softened the language to “leader of Brazil.” The senator said he intends to organize opposition to the election results among his congressional colleagues, though his Liberal Party has officially accepted the results.
Flavio Bolsonaro’s eight‑year Senate term runs until January 31, 2027. While he is now in the United States, the investigation in Brazil continues, and the Supreme Court has ordered him to surrender his Brazilian passports.
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
