Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro has arrived in Miami, Florida, after losing Brazil’s presidential election, ending days of uncertainty surrounding his whereabouts and raising fresh questions about his political future.
Bolsonaro travelled to the United States with his wife and two daughters after crossing into Argentina and taking a private jet through Ecuador. His departure comes as he faces two ongoing investigations in Brazil, allegations he denies.
In his first statement since leaving the country, Bolsonaro described himself as Brazil’s “true elected president” and thanked the United States for allowing his family to enter.
Bolsonaro Repeats Unproven Election Fraud Claims
In a statement distributed by Brazilian right-wing influencer Paulo Figueiredo, Bolsonaro thanked the presidents of Argentina and the United States, along with Americans he said shared the values of the Brazilian people.
He repeated unsubstantiated allegations of electoral fraud, claiming that the election result represented a “mathematical impossibility.” He also portrayed himself as a victim of political persecution and a coup, saying his decision to travel to the United States was intended to protect his family.
The allegations have not been substantiated.
Brazil’s reelected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticised Bolsonaro’s departure, saying that those with nothing to hide had nothing to fear.
Lula won the presidential run-off by more than four million votes after increased voter turnout and support from undecided voters helped secure his victory. The result was confirmed by the head of Brazil’s top electoral court, who said an extension of voting hours had not affected the count or outcome.
A Journey Through Argentina and Ecuador
Confusion over Bolsonaro’s whereabouts began after an Argentine news website reported that he had crossed the land border from Brazil into Argentina before boarding a private aircraft bound for the United States.
Brazilian police initially checked border crossings but found no evidence that he had left the country. Argentine officials also said they had no reports of his crossing.
The uncertainty intensified after Bolsonaro failed to surrender his passport within a 24-hour deadline imposed by Brazilian authorities. His passport was subsequently cancelled, and police were instructed to check border posts. His lawyers said they did not know where he was.
The US State Department later confirmed that visas would be issued to Bolsonaro and his family. Reports of his arrival in the United States circulated before Argentine migration authorities confirmed that the family had crossed into Argentina late on Tuesday.
Flight-tracking data verified by the BBC indicated that the family departed Puerto Iguazú, Argentina, on Wednesday, heading to Guayaquil, Ecuador. After a brief stop, the private jet continued to Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport, where Bolsonaro was photographed disembarking shortly before 9:30 a.m. local time.
Photographers gathered around the senator as he left the airport, while members of his team attempted to shield him from the media with umbrellas.
The Bolsonaro Family’s Ties to the United States
Flávio Bolsonaro is not the first member of his family to travel to the United States amid political controversy in Brazil.
His father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, left Brazil for Florida in December 2022, before Lula’s inauguration. Jair Bolsonaro remained in the United States when his supporters stormed government buildings and the Supreme Court in Brasília on 8 January 2023.
He later cited his absence from Brazil as part of his defence in a coup trial, which resulted in a conviction and a 27-year prison sentence.
Flávio’s younger brother, Eduardo Bolsonaro, has also been living in Texas after taking leave from Brazil’s Congress. While in the United States, Eduardo lobbied American officials over his father’s trial. The dispute contributed to tensions between Washington and Brasília, including punitive tariffs on Brazil and sanctions against key officials.
Eduardo was convicted in absentia by Brazil’s highest court earlier this year.
Two Investigations Remain Pending
Flávio Bolsonaro is the subject of two investigations before Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court.
The first concerns alleged irregularities involving the transfer of nearly $70 million from private bank Banco Master to Dark Horse, a biopic about his father. The second involves allegations of money laundering. Bolsonaro denies wrongdoing in both cases.
He is expected to lose his parliamentary immunity on 31 January, when his eight-year Senate term ends.
It remains unclear how long Bolsonaro intends to stay in the United States or whether Miami is his final destination. His arrival has ended the immediate mystery surrounding his departure from Brazil, but the investigations and uncertainty over his next political moves remain unresolved.
