Asylum request to Trump’s ear: Brazil ex-president Bolsonaro looks for way out, say police

Draft to Milei

A 170-page police report said Bolsonaro drafted an asylum request on February 10, 2024, two days after authorities searched his home and office. Soon after, Bolsonaro spent two nights at the Hungarian Embassy in Brasília, police said, which fueled speculation that he was seeking to avoid arrest. Brazil’s Supreme Court had seized his passport days earlier, citing him a flight risk.

The 33-page letter was addressed to Argentina President Javier Milei.

“I, Jair Messias Bolsonaro, request political asylum from Your Excellency in the Republic of Argentina, under an urgent regime, as I find myself in a situation of political persecution in Brazil and fear for my life,” the draft read.

Argentina’s presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni said the government had not received any request. Bolsonaro has not commented.

Coup case and new accusations

Bolsonaro is awaiting a Supreme Court ruling in a case about an alleged attempt to overturn the 2022 election. On Wednesday, police accused him and one of his sons, Eduardo Bolsonaro of obstruction of justice in connection with the trial.

Conversations with Eduardo & the Trump factor

Messages between Bolsonaro and his son showed efforts to secure support from US President Donald Trump. Eduardo told his father that Trump’s backing was critical to avoiding prison.

“You won’t have time to reverse the situation if the guy here turns his back on you. Everything here is very touchy, every little thing affects you,” Eduardo texted his father in one exchange.

“In today’s situation, you don’t even need to worry about jail; you won’t be arrested. But I’m afraid things will change here (in the United States). Even inside the White House, there are people telling (Trump): OK, Brazil is gone. Let’s move on,’” he added.

The exchanges also revealed tension between father and son. Eduardo, who moved to the United States earlier this year despite holding a congressional seat in Brazil, called Bolsonaro “ungrateful” and urged him to “ACT RESPONSIBLY.”

Trump last month imposed 50% tariffs on some Brazilian exports, citing Bolsonaro’s trial as a reason.

House arrest violations

Police said Bolsonaro had ignored precautionary measures tied to his house arrest and continued sharing messages with allies. According to the report, the content aimed “to directly hit Brazilian democratic institutions, notably the Supreme Court and even Brazil’s Congress,” the report said.

Trial timeline

A Supreme Court panel of five justices will announce verdicts in Bolsonaro’s coup trial between September 2 and 12. Prosecutors allege Bolsonaro and allies organised a network to overturn the election, including plans to target President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Justice Alexandre de Moraes.