U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, that the Trump administration did not assist Flávio Bolsonaro in leaving Brazil for the United States following his defeat in a presidential runoff election. The statement addressed reports that the U.S. government facilitated the departure of the Brazilian senator, who lost to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Bolsonaro arrived in Miami, Florida, on Wednesday, Oct. 28. Prior to his departure, he was under investigation in Brazil for alleged corruption, money laundering, and tax evasion. Brazilian police had classified him as a flight risk and ordered him to surrender his passport. Despite this, the U.S. Department of State said on Tuesday, Oct. 27, that it would grant visas to Bolsonaro and his family.
Speaking to reporters in Atlanta during a Group of 20 (G20) meeting of foreign ministers, Rubio said the U.S. government was not "involved directly" in Bolsonaro’s travel. Rubio stated that the administration received word of Bolsonaro's arrival and that President Trump decided to allow him entry because he previously held a visa. Reuters reported that Bolsonaro was admitted under humanitarian parole, a status that typically lasts for one year.
President Trump expressed support for Bolsonaro on Saturday, stating at his Florida residence that the Brazilian politician could remain in the U.S. "as long as he wants." Trump, who has characterized the Brazilian election as "rigged," said Bolsonaro had been "treated very shabbily." Bolsonaro has refused to concede the election, calling the results fraudulent and describing himself as a victim of "persecution."
For the 45-year-old Bolsonaro and his family, the U.S. government’s decision provides a one-year period of legal residence under humanitarian parole, according to Reuters. This status allows him to remain in Florida beyond the Feb. 1, 2027, date when he is scheduled to lose his legislative seat.
The situation sets a precedent for how the U.S. executive branch handles high-profile foreign figures facing criminal charges in their home countries during periods of political transition. Brazilian foreign minister Mauro Vieira met with Rubio in Atlanta on Friday and Saturday and is expected to see U.S. officials again in November during a meeting in France.