Flávio Bolsonaro, the 45-year-old senator and son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, arrived in Miami, Florida, on October 29, 2026, with his wife and two daughters. According to flight records, they traveled from Argentina and Ecuador before entering the United States. Bolsonaro's relocation comes after his loss in the Brazilian presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Bolsonaro's move to America has been met with mixed reactions from Brazilian citizens. Some have expressed support for his decision, citing what they describe as intense harassment he faced. Andréia Cunha, a 50-year-old businesswoman, stated that she understands Bolsonaro's reasons for leaving, saying she would have done the same due to the alleged harassment.
On the other hand, some Brazilians have criticized Bolsonaro's decision to leave the country. Alessandro Almeida, a 48-year-old equipment repairman, described Bolsonaro's actions as cowardly, saying he should have faced the consequences of his actions in Brazil rather than fleeing abroad.
Flávio Bolsonaro is currently under investigation by Brazil's Federal Supreme Court on charges including bribery, money laundering, and tax evasion. The court had ordered him to surrender his regular and diplomatic passports by 6 pm on October 28, 2026. In a video message, Bolsonaro denied discussing his potential departure from Brazil with his brother Eduardo.
The whereabouts and actions of Bolsonaro after the court order remained unclear. However, his supporters announced that he possessed an Italian passport. US President Donald Trump, a known ally of Bolsonaro, expressed his willingness to welcome Bolsonaro and his family to America, describing them as good people.
Trump also questioned the transparency of Brazil's election process, which Lula da Silva won with over 4.4 million votes more than Bolsonaro. Various international leaders and the Organization of American States (OAS) have recognized Lula da Silva's victory and congratulated him on his re-election.
Flávio Bolsonaro's relocation to America draws parallels with his father's experience. Jair Bolsonaro moved to Florida after losing the 2022 election to Lula da Silva, only to return to Brazil three months later. Flávio Bolsonaro has maintained a close relationship with Trump, including a visit to the White House in May.
Key points
- Flávio Bolsonaro has relocated to Miami with his family following his loss in the Brazilian presidential election.
- Bolsonaro is under investigation by Brazil's Federal Supreme Court on charges including bribery and tax evasion.
- US President Donald Trump has expressed support for Bolsonaro, welcoming him and his family to America.
