Rubio says Trump administration did not help Bolsonaro flee Brazil to US

Bolsonaro arrived in Miami, Florida, on Wednesday, a day after the US Department of State announced he and his family would be granted visas following his October 25 election loss. The Brazilian politician is under investigation for alleged corruption, money laundering, and tax evasion, with police having ordered him to surrender his passport before departure due to flight risk concerns.

US denies involvement

We didn't facilitate anything, Rubio told reporters in Atlanta, Georgia, where diplomats from the Group of 20 largest world economies were gathered. He had previously held a visa, and the president made a decision to allow him to enter the country. Rubio added that the US government was not involved directly in any of the moves that were made.

Trump's stance

Separately, Trump voiced sympathy for Bolsonaro, who had previously called Brazil's election rigged. I think he got treated very shabbily, very shabbily, so he can stay here as long as he wants, Trump told reporters at his Florida residence. Bolsonaro was admitted to the US under humanitarian parole, typically lasting one year, according to Reuters.

Political fallout

Trump's comments suggest relations between the Western Hemisphere's two largest democracies may remain strained. Bolsonaro has refused to concede, calling results fraudulent without evidence, and claims to be Brazil's true leader who left due to persecution. Rubio met with Brazil's foreign minister in Atlanta and expects further discussions in November during a foreign ministers meeting in France.