The United States has confirmed plans to grant visas to Brazilian senator Flávio Bolsonaro and his family following his defeat in Brazil’s presidential election.
A senior State Department official confirmed the decision on Tuesday, October 27, according to The Associated Press. The announcement follows Bolsonaro’s loss to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who secured 51.8% of the vote in Sunday’s runoff election.
Bolsonaro has refused to concede defeat and has alleged electoral irregularities without presenting supporting evidence.
His whereabouts remain uncertain. Lula said Bolsonaro had left Brazil, although officials have not confirmed whether he is traveling to the United States.
The situation comes as Bolsonaro faces investigations involving alleged corruption, money laundering, and tax evasion, accusations he denies. Brazilian authorities have also ordered him to surrender his regular and diplomatic passports.
President Donald Trump, who has maintained friendly relations with the Bolsonaro family, said he would welcome the senator and his relatives to the United States.
The visa decision adds another development to the political and legal uncertainty surrounding Bolsonaro following Brazil’s election.
