Key facts
- Trump administration has no current plans to support Flavio Bolsonaro's political ambitions.
- Bolsonaro declared himself "the elected president" in an open letter on X.
- Bolsonaro and his family were granted humanitarian parole at the US border.
- Jason Miller, a Trump adviser, helped arrange Bolsonaro's flight from Argentina.
The Trump administration does not plan to support Flavio Bolsonaro's claim to be Brazil's rightful leader, despite allowing him into the US, according to sources. Bolsonaro, son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, arrived in Miami via Argentina after declaring himself "the elected president" in an open letter.
President Donald Trump has stated that Brazil's election appeared "rigged" but has not endorsed Bolsonaro's claim, noting he gets along well with incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The US granted Bolsonaro and his family humanitarian parole at the border, a temporary status for urgent humanitarian concerns or significant public interest.
Jair Bolsonaro, Flavio's father, is imprisoned in Brazil for attempting a self-coup after losing his 2022 reelection bid. Flavio's departure is seen by some Brazilian officials as weakening the conservative opposition in Congress. Jason Miller, a Trump adviser, reportedly helped arrange Bolsonaro's flight from Argentina, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio recommended Bolsonaro's admission to Trump.