RIO DE JANEIRO — Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro claimed he is facing political persecution during a recent outing to Brasilia’s airport with his wife, as she prepared to travel to the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. On Thursday, Brazil’s Supreme Court rejected Bolsonaro’s plea to have his passport restored temporarily for this trip, determining that he does not currently hold a position that would permit him to represent Brazil at such an event.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes explained in his ruling that Bolsonaro failed to convincingly demonstrate that he had actually received an invitation to the inauguration. Speaking to reporters at the airport, Bolsonaro expressed his disappointment, stating he felt “upset” and “still shocked” by the court’s decision. “It would have been great to attend. I believe President Trump would have appreciated my presence,” he commented, attributing his situation to the perceived political persecution orchestrated by de Moraes.
Around 20 supporters gathered at the airport to show solidarity with the former president as his wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, boarded her flight bound for the U.S. “My husband is being persecuted, but those whom God sends will be persecuted, and we understand this,” she remarked to the media before sharing an affectionate moment with Jair and proceeding through the terminal gates.
Bolsonaro has openly expressed admiration for Trump and, similar to Trump, has raised doubts about Brazil’s electoral integrity and has refused to concede following his electoral defeat in 2022. His passport was confiscated by federal authorities last February amid several extensive investigations, including matters arising from his attempts to cling to power despite losing the election. He maintains his innocence regarding the various allegations against him.
Bolsonaro had sought permission to travel from January 17 to January 22 in order to partake in Trump’s inauguration festivities, including a Hispanic inaugural celebration. When asked by de Moraes for proof of his invitation on Saturday, Bolsonaro’s legal team submitted a letter endorsed by the co-chairs of the inauguration committee, Steve Witkoff and Kelly Loeffler. Nonetheless, de Moraes concluded that the evidence provided was insufficient to validate his claim of being invited. The decision echoed the recommendation made by Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet, who indicated that Bolsonaro’s personal interest in the trip did not outweigh the public interest in preventing him from leaving the country.
De Moraes characterized Bolsonaro as a continued flight risk, noting that he has previously suggested that his supporters facing legal issues related to their political ties should seek asylum outside of Brazil. This recommendation follows the exodus of numerous Bolsonaro supporters involved in the January 8, 2023, riots in Brasilia, who have fled the country to evade prosecution.
Meanwhile, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who was not invited to Trump’s inauguration, will not be attending. However, Brazil’s ambassador to the U.S., Maria Luiza Viotti, is scheduled to represent the country at the event. Trump has also extended invitations to several world leaders, including Xi Jinping, China’s president, and Javier Milei, the president of Argentina.
