Flávio Bolsonaro Flees to Miami After Election Defeat

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro arrived in Miami, Florida, on October 28 after fleeing Brazil in defiance of a travel ban and a judicial order to surrender his passports. The order, issued by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, was part of investigations into corruption, money laundering, and currency evasion. After Bolsonaro missed a 24-hour deadline to comply, the Federal Police canceled both his regular and diplomatic passports.

Reports initially suggested Bolsonaro traveled via a private jet through Argentina to reach the United States, though the Argentine government formally denied any record of his entry. The United States Department of State confirmed it would issue visas to Bolsonaro and his family. Upon arrival in Miami, he was received by his brother, Eduardo Bolsonaro.

The flight follows a contentious October 25 runoff election in which incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won with 51.79% of the vote. While the Liberal Party eventually recognized the results, U.S. President Donald Trump characterized the election as looking "rigged."

Bolsonaro's campaign had focused on the release of his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup after the 2022 election. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of Brazil has ordered an investigation into possible illegal foreign financing of Flávio Bolsonaro's presidential campaign.