Flavio Bolsonaro arrived in Florida on Wednesday after being defeated by Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the Brazilian presidential election on Sunday.
Authorities had previously commanded the former official to hand over all his passports due to an active investigation into suspected money laundering. Bolsonaro, who identified himself as the rightful leader of Brazil, expressed gratitude to Javier Milei and Donald Trump in his initial statement following his departure.
Argentine migration officials reported that Bolsonaro entered Argentina by land and boarded a private aircraft in northeastern Puerto Iguazu on Tuesday evening, just 40 minutes after crossing the border. He utilized an Italian passport to secure passage on the private jet while in Argentina.
A Brazilian diplomatic source alleged that Argentina's diplomatic representative was called in for a routine meeting on Thursday to offer explanations. Relations between Brasilia and Buenos Aires were already strained, as Brazil downgraded ties and recalled its ambassador in August. President Javier Milei, who has refused to acknowledge the victory of Lula, previously described Lula as corrupt and a thief.
Pablo Quirno stated that Brazil did not request an explanation from Buenos Aires regarding its involvement in the flight. Donald Trump characterized the election poll as very strange and a disgrace. Democrat lawmakers sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding an immediate accounting of the department's role in facilitating Bolsonaro's exit from Brazil.
Luis Grande claimed he was employed by a broker based in the United States. Jair Bolsonaro, 71, remains under house arrest serving a 27-year sentence for his role in plotting a coup against Lula following the 2022 election. Michelle Bolsonaro referred to Jair Bolsonaro as our leader.
