Flavio Bolsonaro returns from US after Trump meeting as Brazil’s right eyes election
The senator was welcomed by supporters in Brasília after talks with Donald Trump fuelled speculation over his presidential bid.
Senator Flavio Bolsonaro returned to Brazil to a warm welcome from supporters following a visit to Washington, where he met US President Donald Trump, intensifying attention on his potential role in October’s presidential election. With former President Jair Bolsonaro unable to run and facing legal challenges, allies are increasingly positioning Flavio as a possible successor, a sentiment echoed by supporters chanting in his favour at the airport.
During his trip, Bolsonaro also pushed for tougher US action against Brazil’s major criminal gangs, urging Washington to designate Primeiro Comando da Capital and Comando Vermelho as terrorist organisations — a move later backed by US officials. The proposal has heightened political tensions, with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government rejecting the classification, warning it could raise sovereignty and legal concerns while deepening divisions ahead of the vote.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
