Flávio Bolsonaro Accuses Lula’s Government of Electoral Fraud After Arriving in the U.S.

Flávio Bolsonaro arrived at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport in Opa-locka, Florida, on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Upon his arrival, he made his first public statement since leaving Brazil, declaring himself the country’s “president-elect.” He accused President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government of political persecution and electoral fraud, following his defeat in the election.

In a statement on X, Bolsonaro addressed both the Brazilian people and the international community. He thanked Argentine President Javier Milei for his support and expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump for welcoming him. Bolsonaro pledged to maintain his role as a leader and voice for Brazil, drawing parallels to political figures like Charles de Gaulle, José Martí, and María Corina Machado, who all faced exile.

Bolsonaro asserted that leaving Brazil was not his wish, but claimed to foresee a coup d’état unfolding. He initially called himself “the leader” in a reposted statement with clarifications.

The events marked a tumultuous period for Bolsonaro, who traveled to Opa-locka Airport near Miami with his family, protected by officers carrying umbrellas that obscured the media’s view. Earlier that day, Argentina’s migration authority confirmed the Bolsonaro family’s departure from Brazil to Argentina late Tuesday. The group used the Tancredo Neves International Bridge border crossing in Misiones, armed with appropriate travel documents and without legal barriers to entry. The group then boarded a flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Bolsonaro, a conservative ally of Trump, faced defeat in the presidential election against Lula, losing by over four million votes. Despite his party conceding, Bolsonaro rejected the result. On Tuesday, a U.S. administration representative revealed that the State Department would issue visas to Bolsonaro and his family, allowing their entry into the United States.

This visa announcement coincided with multiple investigations in Brazil accusing Bolsonaro of crimes like money laundering and tax evasion, charges he denies. Brazil’s Supreme Court had mandated Bolsonaro to surrender his passports within 24 hours and forbade him from leaving the nation. Earlier, he recorded a video stating that federal police intercepted him at his father’s home, ordering passport surrender. The elder Bolsonaro was under house arrest for his role in his failed coup after losing the 2022 election to Lula.

Initially, Bolsonaro announced his unwillingness to leave Brazil. However, Brazilian media reported his departure to the United States by Tuesday. Various political allies, including his campaign manager and attorney, expressed ignorance of his whereabouts.

Former President Trump had voiced skepticism over Lula’s victory, suggesting election manipulation without any evidence. During a Texas rally, Trump accused the Democrats of fraud, implying similar issues in Brazil.

On Lula’s 81st birthday celebration in Brasília, the president criticized Bolsonaro’s exit. “Those who have nothing to hide have nothing to fear,” he addressed his supporters. Lula expressed regret over Bolsonaro’s escape, labeling it a “shameful” act, and highlighted the Bolsonaro family’s strong connection with the Trump administration. “Brazil is their second home; their first home is the United States,” Lula remarked.