Flávio Bolsonaro Flees to US, Triggering Diplomatic Summoning

Flávio Bolsonaro, 45, traveled to the United States via Argentina on Thursday, a move that prompted Brazil’s government to summon the Argentine diplomatic representative in Rio de Janeiro. The Brazilian foreign ministry asked for an explanation of the transit shortly after the defeated presidential candidate passed through Argentine airspace on his way to Miami.

The diplomatic meeting occurred against a backdrop of strained relations between the two nations. Argentine President Javier Milei supported Bolsonaro in the election held on Sunday, which incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won. Milei has not yet acknowledged Lula’s victory, distinguishing himself from other regional leaders who congratulated the incumbent promptly.

Tensions escalated in July when Brazil recalled its ambassador to Argentina. That decision followed a visit by Milei to São Paulo, where he attended an event confirming Bolsonaro’s presidential bid. During the visit, Milei referred to Lula as a "thief" and a "delinquent." Argentina responded by recalling its own ambassador to Brazil. Since then, both countries have been represented by chargés d’affaires, a lower diplomatic rank.

João Marcelo, the director of the Brazilian ministry’s South America department, met briefly with María Emilia Cortés, Argentina’s chargé d’affaires in Brazil. A diplomatic source, who requested anonymity because the matter was not for public discussion, confirmed the meeting took place on Thursday afternoon.

Bolsonaro, who is under investigation in Brazil for alleged corruption and money laundering, has refused to concede the election and called it fraudulent without providing evidence. His father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, is serving a 27-year sentence for attempting a coup and also refused to acknowledge his 2022 loss. In his first comments since leaving Brazil, Flávio Bolsonaro thanked Milei and U.S. President Donald Trump for their support.

The White House confirmed that the administration approved U.S. visas for Bolsonaro and his family this week. Trump described the Brazilian election as "rigged" and "very strange" but stopped short of declaring Bolsonaro the president-elect. He stated he gave Bolsonaro a "pass" to enter the country. Argentine presidential spokesperson Juan Pablo Carreira said on social media that the administration rescued Bolsonaro from the "claws of communism."

Milei has not personally commented on Bolsonaro's journey. The two countries continue to manage their diplomatic relationship through their respective chargés d’affaires while the foreign ministry reviews the circumstances of the transit.