US President Donald Trump labeled Brazil’s presidential election a “disgrace” on October 29, stating he would not directly address whether he considers victorious Luis Inacio Lula da Silva the legitimate head of state.
In a video posted on the White House YouTube channel, Trump said: “I don’t want to comment on this right now, but I think these elections have become a huge disgrace to the people of Brazil.”
The US leader added he did not support any candidates and observed the voting process from the sidelines, according to his statement that he was asked to do so by then-President of Brazil. Trump also confirmed plans to engage with Lula but declined to specify who he deemed the legitimate election winner when directly questioned.
Lula da Silva won Brazil’s second-round presidential election on October 25 with 51.8% of the vote. Flavio Bolsonaro refused to acknowledge defeat and claimed alleged procedural violations without providing evidence. Reports indicate Bolsonaro fled Brazil for the United States on October 27, citing fear of arrest after a Supreme Court judge ordered his family’s passports seized. The former presidential candidate reportedly crossed into Argentina before entering the U.S. using an Italian passport.
