Bolsonaro leadership claim revised after arrival in US, party rejects fraud allegation

The Bolsonaro leadership claim changed after defeated Brazilian presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro arrived in Florida on Wednesday, October 28. He initially described himself as the elected president in a statement on X, then issued a revised version calling himself a leader.

The senator lost the October 25 runoff to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Despite alleging that the election had been stolen, he did not supply evidence supporting that accusation, according to reports.

Rogério Marinho, who leads Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party in the Senate, expressed solidarity with him but refused to endorse the fraud claim. Marinho said the party could not make that allegation because there was no evidence for it.

Party position differs from defeated candidate’s

Marinho acknowledged Bolsonaro’s standing as a figure on Brazil’s right while separating that political role from a claim to the presidency. The Liberal Party has recognised the election result proclaimed by the electoral authorities.

The Bolsonaro leadership claim followed his arrival with his family at Opa-Locka Executive Airport near Miami. Their private flight travelled through Argentina and Ecuador, according to reports.

His departure came after a Supreme Court order requiring him to surrender his passports in connection with an investigation into alleged money laundering. He denies wrongdoing and says the action against him is politically motivated.

Brazilian police said on Wednesday that he was not classified as a fugitive. US homeland security officials said the family had been inspected and admitted in accordance with immigration requirements.

US President Donald Trump declined to involve himself in Bolsonaro’s assertion that he had won, while again describing the election as unusual. Lula criticised the senator’s departure and said he should have remained to demonstrate his innocence.

Bolsonaro has said he will continue directing opposition activity from the United States. His revised statement retained allegations against Brazil’s political and judicial authorities without establishing electoral fraud.

Also read: Lula election victory confirmed as Bolsonaro challenges result | Bolsonaro departure involved decoy cars and private flight through Argentina: reports