Flavio Bolsonaro, in Miami, claims Brazil's 'legitimate leader' title after election loss

Flavio Bolsonaro, who fled to Miami after losing Brazil's presidential election on Sunday, declared himself the country's "legitimate leader," claiming he left "for Brazil's sake" and did not intend to abandon his homeland. In an open letter posted on X after arriving in Florida with his family on a private plane, Bolsonaro said he is the victim of an electoral coup and left "a regime of exception" to become the leader his people deserve. The US granted visas after Brazil's Supreme Court annulled his passport amid a money laundering investigation, which he denies. Bolsonaro lost to left-wing incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva by about 4.5 million votes, a result recognized by Brazil's electoral court, international observers, and his own party. He initially called himself "president-elect" before revising the letter to claim he is the rightful leader, calling his opponents criminals. Lula accused Washington of complicity, while the US denies interference.