Brazil summons Argentina envoy after Bolsonaro flees to US via Argentina
Brazil has summoned Argentina's diplomatic representative after defeated presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro fled to the US via Argentina, escalating tensions between the South American nations. Brazil's foreign ministry requested explanations Thursday following Bolsonaro's passage through Argentina en route to Miami. Argentine President Javier Milei backed Bolsonaro in the election won by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Sunday and has not acknowledged Lula's victory. Bolsonaro, under investigation for corruption and money laundering, refused to concede and made unsubstantiated claims of election fraud. Both countries now maintain only chargés d'affaires after Argentina recalled its ambassador in July following Milei's insults toward Brazilian officials. US President Donald Trump called Brazil's election "rigged" but avoided declaring Bolsonaro president-elect, approving US visas for him and his family. Bolsonaro thanked Milei and Trump for welcoming him. His father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, is serving a 27-year sentence for attempting a coup after losing to Lula in 2022.