Flávio Bolsonaro Arrives in U.S. Days After Lula's Victory

Flávio Bolsonaro, the former Brazilian presidential candidate, has arrived in the United States, according to two sources familiar with the matter. His arrival occurred two days after incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva defeated his father, Jair Bolsonaro, in a runoff election held on Sunday.

Brazilian authorities announced Tuesday that they were unaware of Flávio Bolsonaro's specific location and initiated an investigation into whether he departed for the U.S. The government stated that the former candidate was under investigation regarding a sports betting case and a probe into the production of a film about Jair Bolsonaro.

U.S. officials indicated that the Trump administration had been monitoring Flávio Bolsonaro's travel plans. Two U.S. officials said they expected the former candidate to attempt to leave Brazil and enter the United States. A senior State Department official confirmed on Tuesday that the department would issue visas to Bolsonaro and his family, permitting their entry.

The political climate surrounding the arrival has drawn attention from the White House. President Donald Trump commented on Monday that the Brazilian election "looked like another rigged election, frankly," a statement made without providing new evidence.

The State Department's decision to issue visas came as Brazilian authorities continued their inquiry into the former candidate's movements. The investigation into Flávio Bolsonaro's whereabouts and potential flight to the U.S. remains active as of Tuesday.