Flávio Bolsonaro and Family Granted Entry Into the United States
Following a tense electoral defeat over the weekend, Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro and his family are receiving U.S. visas, a senior State Department official confirmed on Tuesday. The political figure, who is an ally of President Trump, departed Brazil for the United States after losing the presidential election to incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, according to multiple Brazilian media reports.
The development unfolds as heightened political scrutiny surrounds the Bolsonaro family. Flávio Bolsonaro's departure from Brazil coincided with the expiration of a deadline for him to surrender his regular and diplomatic passports at noon Tuesday, leaving it unclear whether he complied with the sealed Supreme Court order issued Sunday.
Reactions and Political Fallout Over the Departure
The exit of the Brazilian senator drew sharp criticism from Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who turned 81 on Tuesday. Lula won the election with more than 64 million votes compared to fewer than 60 million for Bolsonaro, securing a margin of nearly 4%.
Speaking out on Tuesday, Lula condemned the departure, stating, "A person who sneaks out of their country must have something to hide. The act of leaving Brazil is shameful."
Lula further criticized the family's ties, remarking, "This is what the Bolsonaro family is like: Brazil is their second nation, the U.S. is the first."
Meanwhile, spokespeople and associates remained tight-lipped about the situation:
* A spokesperson for Flávio Bolsonaro did not respond to requests for comment.
* Campaign manager Rogério Marinho also refused to comment on the matter.
* Brother Eduardo Bolsonaro, who resides in Texas, had previously encouraged him to leave the country if he lost the election.
Trump Administration Ties and Previous Family Legal Troubles
The Bolsonaro family maintains well-documented ties to American politics. Flávio Bolsonaro has previously touted his relationship with President Trump and visited the White House in May.
Regarding the recent political shift, President Trump spoke to reporters Wednesday, stating, "Well, I would approve. I think they're fine people. The election was very strange, and I thought it was terrible. It's gotten bad reviews." Earlier on Monday, Trump suggested without providing evidence that Brazil's election was "rigged," though he did not offer a full-throated endorsement during the runoff against Lula.
Family legal troubles also loom large in Brazil:
* Eduardo Bolsonaro was convicted in absentia in June for illegally lobbying the Trump administration, receiving a four-year prison sentence alongside a recently issued arrest warrant.
* Former President Jair Bolsonaro, the father of Flávio and Eduardo, is currently serving a 27-year sentence under house arrest for attempting a coup after his own 2022 election loss to Lula.
* Following the 2022 defeat, Jair Bolsonaro similarly fled Brazil for Florida before returning three months later.
Flávio Bolsonaro was served with the order to surrender his passports on Monday outside the home where his father is serving house arrest. Like his father, Flávio has refused to concede defeat and made unsubstantiated allegations of election fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is receiving U.S. visas after the Brazilian election?
Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro and his family are receiving U.S. visas following his loss in the presidential election over the weekend.
Who won the Brazilian presidential election against Flávio Bolsonaro?
Incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won the election, receiving more than 64 million votes compared to fewer than 60 million for Bolsonaro, securing a margin of nearly 4%.
What are the family connections of Flávio Bolsonaro in the United States?
Flávio Bolsonaro has ties to President Trump and previously visited the White House in May. Additionally, his brother Eduardo Bolsonaro lives in Texas.