Bolsonaro declares himself Brazil’s rightful leader from U.S. exile

Flavio Bolsonaro, Brazil's defeated right-wing presidential candidate, declared himself his country's rightful leader from exile in Florida on Wednesday, claiming electoral fraud after fleeing Brazil amid corruption investigations. Bolsonaro landed at Opa-Locka Executive Airport near Miami via Argentina and Ecuador, vowing to lead opposition from the U.S. His Liberal Party leader Rogerio Marinho expressed solidarity but distanced himself from fraud claims, citing no evidence. President Lula, who won with 51.8% of the vote, called the departure "shameful." Bolsonaro faces investigation over alleged corruption and money laundering, including a film financing deal, and left despite a travel ban and passport cancellation. He holds Italian nationality since 2023. U.S. President Trump called the election "very strange" but said he won't get involved.