From Salon · Alex Galbraith · · 1m 30s
Flávio Bolsonaro follows right-wing exile path
Defeated Brazilian leader joins Florida's long line of authoritarian exiles.
In brief
Defeated Brazilian leader joins Florida's long line of authoritarian exiles. Flávio Bolsonaro, defeated Brazilian presidential candidate, has taken refuge in Florida following his loss in the 2022 election, continuing a historical pattern of right-wing leaders fleeing to the U.S. for asylum. Originally reported by…
Flávio Bolsonaro's exile
Defeated Brazilian presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro fled Brazil for Miami after losing the 2022 election.
Historical pattern of right-wing exiles
Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista and Nicaraguan leader Anastasio Somoza both sought refuge in Florida after falling from power.
Florida as authoritarian haven
Florida has long attracted Latin American dictators due to its proximity to the Caribbean and significant immigrant population.
Bolsonaro's family moves
Flávio Bolsonaro's son Eduardo moved to Texas after initially landing in Florida, while his father Jair Bolsonaro serves prison time in Brazil.
Historical exiles in Florida
Cuban President Gerardo Machado fled to Florida in 1933 and died in Miami six years later.
Bolsonaro's Florida stay
Flávio Bolsonaro arrived at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport on Oct 28, 2026, with his family.
Florida's right-wing population
Florida hosts more than a fifth of Brazil's population in the U.S., making it a likely home for Bolsonaro.
Bolsonaro's claim
Flávio Bolsonaro initially claimed to be Brazil's rightful president after landing in Florida but later abandoned the claim.
Historical outcomes
Most exiles who tried to return to power in Florida were unsuccessful, with Batista fleeing to Spain after being denied asylum.
The takeaway
Flávio Bolsonaro, defeated Brazilian presidential candidate, has taken refuge in Florida following his loss in the 2022 election, continuing a historical pattern of right-wing leaders fleeing to the U.S. for asylum.
