President Donald Trump says he would welcome a defeated Brazilian presidential candidate to the United States after the politician fled his country following a controversial election and mounting legal troubles.
Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews late Tuesday, Trump expressed support for Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, after his loss to incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Sunday’s runoff election.
“Well, I would approve,” Trump said when asked about Bolsonaro entering the United States. “I think they’re fine people.”
Trump also questioned how the election unfolded.
“The election was very strange, and I thought it was terrible,” he continued, pointing to criticism of the voting process and the Brazilian market’s reaction.
Trump Defends His Relationship With The Bolsonaro Family
Despite his criticism of the election, Trump insisted he had not endorsed either candidate.
“I didn’t take sides,” Trump told reporters. “I know Lula. I know Flávio a little bit. I know the father very well.”
The president also defended Jair Bolsonaro, his longtime political ally who was convicted for his role in an attempted coup following Brazil’s 2022 election.
“The father was treated really badly, I thought,” Trump said, while emphasizing that Brazil’s legal affairs were ultimately its own responsibility.
The relationship between Trump and the elder Bolsonaro dates back to their overlapping presidencies.
During a March 2019 White House meeting, the two leaders announced plans to strengthen cooperation on trade, national security and regional affairs. Trump subsequently designated Brazil a major non-NATO ally.
Their political partnership continued after Bolsonaro left office.
In 2025, Trump publicly criticized Brazil’s prosecution of the former president, arguing that his longtime ally was being unfairly targeted. His administration also imposed trade and diplomatic pressure on Brazil amid the dispute.
Bolsonaro Flees As Legal Troubles Mount
Flávio Bolsonaro’s departure came shortly after Lula secured an unprecedented fourth presidential term.
Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes had ordered Bolsonaro to surrender his passports as part of an investigation involving allegations of corruption, money laundering and financial misconduct.
Bolsonaro departed Brazil despite the restrictions, reportedly traveling through Argentina as questions mounted over his whereabouts.
CNN reported that Trump administration officials were aware of the passport deadline and had indicated that Bolsonaro would be permitted to enter the United States.
U.S. officials subsequently confirmed that visas would be issued to Bolsonaro and his family.
Trump, however, appeared uncertain about the candidate’s location when questioned by reporters.
“I heard he was in Argentina. I don’t know where he is,” the president said.
Bolsonaro has not formally conceded the election, although his Liberal Party accepted the results.
Trump Questions Brazil’s Election Process
Trump’s latest comments followed earlier criticism of Brazil’s decision to extend voting hours in certain locations during Sunday’s runoff.
Both presidential campaigns had raised concerns about difficulties preventing voters from reaching polling stations.
Trump suggested the election had been mishandled but stopped short of rejecting Lula’s victory outright.
“I didn’t endorse in Brazil. I thought I’d stay out of that one,” Trump said.
The president also acknowledged that the final result was acceptable while maintaining that the process had been deeply flawed.
The controversy places Trump in a delicate diplomatic position as his administration balances relations with Lula’s government against its longstanding ties to the Bolsonaro family.
For now, Trump has made one position clear: The younger Bolsonaro would be welcome in America.
