Politics · Brazil · 3 hrs ago
Trump’s response to Flávio Bolsonaro frustrates his allies
Flávio Bolsonaro left Brazil for the United States, where he has temporary permission to stay but has not been granted political asylum.
His allies expected President Donald Trump to offer stronger support, including sanctions against Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes under the Magnitsky Act.
They also considered seeking sanctions against Justice Cristiano Zanin over an extension of voting hours, although Flávio’s party had requested that extension.
Trump has not announced sanctions or asylum, and said he has no plans to meet Flávio.
He said he has a good relationship with Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a contrast that disappointed Flávio’s allies.
US domestic priorities may limit further action, as midterm elections put control of Congress in play and voters focus on inflation, living costs and the economy.
Donald Trump’s response to Flávio Bolsonaro’s departure from Brazil disappointed allies who had expected stronger support from the White House.
Those allies had hoped for renewed Magnitsky Act sanctions against Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and considered sanctions against Justice Cristiano Zanin.
They also hoped Trump would grant Flávio political asylum, but he has only received temporary permission to stay in the United States.
Trump said Flávio could remain in the country for as long as he wanted, but said he had no plans to meet him.
Trump also said he had a good relationship with Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who won Brazil’s elections.
- Who
- Flávio Bolsonaro and his allies; US President Donald Trump.
- What
- Trump’s response to Flávio’s departure from Brazil fell short of the support his allies expected.
- When
- Published November 3, 2026. The article says US midterm elections were taking place that Tuesday.
- Where
- The United States and Brazil.
- Why
- Flávio’s allies wanted stronger US support, including sanctions against Brazilian Supreme Court justices and political asylum for Flávio.
Flávio Bolsonaro’s allies
Donald Trump
Expected US sanctions and political support
Flávio Bolsonaro’s allies
Allies hoped for renewed Magnitsky Act sanctions against Alexandre de Moraes and considered sanctions against Cristiano Zanin; they also hoped Trump would grant Flávio asylum.
Donald Trump
Trump did not announce sanctions or asylum, and said he had no plans to meet Flávio.
View of US engagement with Brazil
Flávio Bolsonaro’s allies
Allies felt Trump’s gestures fell short of the political support they expected from Washington.
Donald Trump
Trump said he had a good relationship with Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered Flávio Bolsonaro to hand over his passports.
Flávio Bolsonaro received temporary permission to stay in the United States, but not formal political asylum.
Trump said Flávio could stay in the United States for as long as he wanted and said he had no plans to meet him.
US midterm elections were taking place, with control of the House and part of the Senate at stake.
- Flávio Bolsonaro
- Senator from Brazil’s PL party, representing Rio de Janeiro
- Alexandre de Moraes
- Supreme Court justice; ordered Flávio to hand over his passports
- Cristiano Zanin
- Supreme Court justice; allies considered sanctions over an extension of voting hours
- Flávio’s US status
- Temporary permission to stay; no formal asylum recognition
- US midterms
- November 3, 2026; the House and part of the Senate were at stake
What people are saying
for as long as he wants