Miami, FL – Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denied that the United States government assisted Brazilian politician Flávio Bolsonaro in traveling to Miami following Brazil’s presidential election.
Speaking Saturday, during diplomatic meetings in Atlanta, Rubio said American officials did not arrange Bolsonaro’s departure from Brazil or transportation to the United States.
Rubio explained that Bolsonaro already possessed a valid U.S. visa and that President Donald Trump authorized his entry. He maintained that officials learned about the trip after Bolsonaro arrived.
Bolsonaro, 45, reportedly reached Miami on October 28, three days after losing Brazil’s presidential runoff election to incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The Brazilian senator has disputed the election results, alleging voting irregularities without presenting evidence supporting those claims.
Brazilian authorities are investigating Bolsonaro over alleged corruption, money laundering and tax evasion. Investigators previously sought restrictions on his travel because of concerns that he could leave the country.
Bolsonaro has denied wrongdoing and characterized the investigations as politically motivated.
His father, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, is serving a 27-year prison sentence following his conviction for attempting to overturn Brazil’s 2022 presidential election.
Trump has publicly supported the younger Bolsonaro and defended his presence in the United States.
Rubio also confirmed discussions with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira concerning relations between the two countries. Additional diplomatic meetings are expected in November.
Bolsonaro’s departure has raised questions about his political future and ongoing legal proceedings in Brazil.
Brazilian authorities have not announced a resolution to the investigations or confirmed when Bolsonaro might return.