Rubio says Trump administration did not help Bolsonaro flee Brazil to US | Elections News
Trump Offers Support to Flavio Bolsonaro Following Election Loss and Investigation in Brazil
Published: November 1, 2026
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Trump administration did not facilitate the entry of Flavio Bolsonaro, Brazil’s recently defeated presidential candidate, into the United States. Bolsonaro fled Brazil after losing a run-off election to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, which marked a significant departure from recent conservative electoral successes in Latin America.
Bolsonaro arrived in Miami, Florida, on Wednesday, shortly after the U.S. Department of State announced that he and his family would be granted visas following his election defeat on October 25.
The former candidate is currently under investigation in Brazil for allegations of corruption, money laundering, and tax evasion. Prior to his departure, Brazilian authorities had ordered him to surrender his passport due to concerns that he might flee the country.
“We didn’t facilitate anything,” Rubio told reporters in Atlanta, Georgia, during a gathering of diplomats from the Group of 20. He clarified that officials were informed of Bolsonaro’s arrival in the U.S., noting that the former candidate had previously held a visa, and that President Trump decided to allow his entry.
Rubio emphasized that the U.S. government was not directly involved in the arrangements surrounding Bolsonaro’s departure from Brazil. He also mentioned ongoing discussions with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira during the G20 meeting and anticipated further meetings in France later this month.
Separately, President Trump expressed sympathy for Bolsonaro, suggesting that he could remain in the U.S. “as long as he wants.” Trump characterized the treatment of Bolsonaro as “shabby” during his remarks at his Florida residence on Saturday.
According to Reuters, Bolsonaro was admitted to the United States under humanitarian parole, a status that generally lasts for one year. Trump’s remarks may indicate that diplomatic relations between Brazil and the U.S. could face challenges moving forward.
Following his electoral loss, Bolsonaro traveled through Argentina and Ecuador before reaching the U.S., with some reports suggesting that his journey was assisted by Jason Miller, a White House official. Bolsonaro has not conceded the election results, labeling them as fraudulent without presenting evidence to support his claims. Since his arrival in the U.S., he has described himself as the legitimate “leader” of Brazil and claimed to be a victim of “persecution.”
