Flávio Bolsonaro's Private Jet Lands in Miami After Brazil Election Loss

Flávio Bolsonaro arrived in Miami just before 09:30 local time on Wednesday, ending a period of confusion about his whereabouts following his defeat in the Brazilian presidential election on Sunday. He landed at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport with his wife and two daughters. Flight tracking data verified by the BBC shows the private jet departed from Puerto Iguazú, Argentina, at 12:18 local time on Wednesday. The aircraft made a brief stop in Guayaquil, Ecuador, before continuing to Florida. Photographers swarmed the former senator as he exited the terminal, while members of his team used umbrellas to shield him from the press.

The journey began with uncertainty after Brazilian authorities cancelled Bolsonaro's passport for failing to surrender it within a 24-hour deadline. This action followed an ongoing criminal investigation. Early reports suggested he had traveled to Argentina, but Argentine officials initially denied crossing reports. Brazilian police checked border crossings on Tuesday without finding evidence of his departure. Later, sources close to the family told the BBC and other broadcasters that he was en route to the United States. The US State Department confirmed it would issue visas for Bolsonaro and his family. Argentine migration authorities later posted that the group had crossed into Argentina over land on Tuesday night local time. US President Donald Trump told reporters he had heard Bolsonaro was in Argentina.

In a statement issued after his arrival, Bolsonaro described himself as the true elected president of Brazil. He thanked the American government and the American public, stating they share the same values as the good people of his own country. He said his intention was to protect his family and alleged that he was a victim of a coup d'état and political persecution. He told his 60 million voters and the Brazilian people that he is the elected president, despite the official results. He characterized the opposition as a criminal organization that established a tyranny and stole the election.

Newly reelected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized the departure. He said that those who have nothing to hide have nothing to fear. Bolsonaro's father, Jair Bolsonaro, also left Brazil for Florida in December 2022 before Lula's inauguration. Jair remained in the US when supporters stormed government buildings on January 8. He later used his absence as part of his defense in a coup trial that resulted in a conviction and a 27-year sentence. Eduardo Bolsonaro, Flávio's younger brother, has been living in Texas while on leave from Congress. He was convicted in absentia by Brazil's highest court earlier this year for lobbying US officials during his father's trial. This lobbying effort led to the US imposing punitive tariffs on Brazil and sanctions on key Brazilian officials.

Flávio Bolsonaro faces two investigations before Brazil's Supreme Federal Court. One inquiry examines possible irregularities in the transfer of nearly $70 million from Banco Master to the film Dark Horse, a biopic about his father. The second investigation relates to alleged money laundering. He denies wrongdoing in both cases. His parliamentary immunity is set to expire on January 31, when his eight-year Senate term ends. It is not yet determined where his ultimate destination will be or how long he intends to stay in the United States.