Bolsonaro claims to be Brazil's 'elected president' after fleeing to US; Trump says he 'won't get involved'

Brazil's defeated right-wing presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro said on Wednesday that he still considers himself the country's legitimate leader after arriving in the United States for self-imposed exile. His remarks underscored continuing political tensions in Brazil, days after incumbent left-wing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva won Sunday's presidential runoff by a decisive margin.

"I am the elected president, and the criminals who stole Brazil's election are part of a criminal organisation that has established a tyranny," Bolsonaro asserted via an official statement posted on his X account, pointing to alleged 'electoral fraud'.

Also read: Defeated presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro lands in Miami after fleeing Brazil


"I will lead the opposition from here," he added. In a subsequent release, he adjusted his phrasing, characterising himself as the 'leader' rather than the 'president'.

Bolsonaro, aged 45, landed aboard a private aircraft at Opa-Locka Executive Airport in the vicinity of Miami during the early hours of Wednesday.

The hard-line administration headed by US President Donald Trump maintains close bonds with both Bolsonaro and his father, Jair Bolsonaro. The senior Bolsonaro remains under house arrest domestically after making failed efforts to contest his 2022 electoral loss to Lula.

While Trump reaffirmed his perspective that Brazil's electoral process was 'very strange', he informed media personnel that he "won't get involved" regarding Flavio Bolsonaro's assertion to the presidency. Specific details concerning how Bolsonaro made his journey to the United States, accompanied by his wife and daughters, continue to unfold.

Domestically, he faces ongoing inquiries relating to suspected corruption and money laundering offences, as per an ANI report. With parliamentary protections nearing expiration, instructions had been issued for him to surrender his passports; nevertheless, he departed the country regardless, routing his passage to the United States via Argentina and Ecuador.

The US Department of Homeland Security issued a statement noting that members of the Bolsonaro family underwent inspection and received clearance in accordance with applicable immigration laws and procedures.

Lula, who claimed Sunday's ballot with 51.8 per cent of the total count, characterised Flavio Bolsonaro's exit as a 'shameful' episode.

"A person who sneaks out of their country must have something to hide," Lula remarked in Brasilia on Tuesday while marking celebrations for his 81st birthday.

Even so, law enforcement authorities in Brazil released a bulletin on Wednesday clarifying that Bolsonaro is not formally classified as a fugitive.

(With inputs from agencies)