U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that Washington had no direct role in organizing Flavio Bolsonaro’s departure from Brazil following his defeat in the recent election. He emphasized that the United States was not a party to the logistical arrangements.
President Donald Trump responded by stating that the former Brazilian senator could remain in the United States for as long as he wished. His remark was made during a briefing that highlighted the administration’s stance on the matter.
Flavio Bolsonaro entered the United States together with his wife and children after a Brazilian court ordered the seizure of his travel documents amid several criminal investigations. The court action occurred shortly after prosecutors opened inquiries into alleged corruption and financial misconduct.
During a press conference, Rubio noted that the politician had previously possessed a valid visa, and that the president had personally decided to permit his entry. He said the decision was made in accordance with existing immigration rules.
According to the chief executive of the airline that operated the flight, the aircraft was funded by an intermediary who used a U.S. bank account to cover the cost. The airline representative did not disclose the identity of the payer.
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Trump described the Brazilian election as disgraceful and expressed sympathy for the right-wing senator, adding that he had been treated very poorly. His comments highlighted the political tension surrounding the vote.
A source within Brazil’s diplomatic corps reported that Argentina’s envoy had been summoned to explain the flight’s arrangements, though Argentina’s foreign minister later denied any such summons. The denial was issued in a brief statement to the press.
Since his arrival, the former senator has repeatedly asserted that he is the legitimate leader of Brazil and has framed his departure as an act of self-preservation against what he calls persecution. He has used multiple media outlets to repeat this narrative.
Flavio Bolsonaro’s father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, is currently under house arrest with a 27-year sentence imposed for plotting a coup after losing the 2022 re-election. The lengthy term reflects the seriousness of the charges brought by the Brazilian judiciary.
