Flavio Bolsonaro, Brazil's defeated presidential candidate, arrived in the U.S. by private jet, sparking questions about U.S. involvement in his escape.
Rubio clarifies U.S. involvement
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. government was not "directly involved" in Flavio Bolsonaro's escape to the United States. He said Washington was informed of Bolsonaro's arrival but did not take direct steps to facilitate it.
Bolsonaro’s arrival in the U.S.
Flavio Bolsonaro, the former Brazilian presidential candidate, arrived in the United States by private jet on Wednesday. His journey included stops in Argentina and Ecuador, and he had already obtained a U.S. visa.
Background on Bolsonaro’s defeat
Flavio Bolsonaro was defeated in Brazil’s presidential election by incumbent president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The Brazilian judiciary had canceled his passports as part of an investigation into money laundering allegations.
Bolsonaro’s response to defeat
Despite his loss, Flavio Bolsonaro claimed "electoral fraud" and vowed to "lead the opposition" from his new life in the United States. His claims were rejected by his own campaign and Brazil’s electoral court.
U.S. lawmakers question administration
A group of Democratic U.S. lawmakers has written to the Trump administration, asking for clarification on how Flavio Bolsonaro was able to escape Brazil and enter the United States. They are specifically questioning whether any U.S. government agencies assisted him.
