Miami:Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro has declared himself as the country's "leader" in a letter published on social media, vowing to lead the opposition to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. This announcement comes as Bolsonaro remains in exile in the United States, defying a Supreme Court travel ban imposed on him in Brazil.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Bolsonaro cited the politicization of Brazil's justice system as the reason for his relocation to the United States with his family. He claimed there is no arrest warrant against him, describing the situation as a "politically motivated witch hunt" designed to use him as a pawn to protect corrupt Supreme Court justices from impeachment.

Bolsonaro, who is 45 years old, arrived near Miami on a private jet after a secretive land border crossing into Argentina. His arrival occurred shortly after losing the presidential runoff election to Lula with a narrow margin of 51.76% to 48.24%. From Florida, he rejected the official election results certified by Brazil's Superior Electoral Court, alleging electoral fraud but providing no evidence.

His departure from Brazil followed a confrontation with the Federal Supreme Court regarding an investigation into alleged financial misconduct. Rather than complying with a court order to surrender his travel documents, Bolsonaro used his national identity card to cross into Argentina before flying to Miami.

In his address, Bolsonaro urged foreign governments not to recognize Lula's administration, which is set to begin on January 5, 2027. He also expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump and the American people for their support, following the US State Department's confirmation of entry visas for him and his family. Bolsonaro's actions echo those of his father, Jair Bolsonaro, who also stayed in Florida post-election, suggesting ongoing diplomatic tensions between Brasilia and Washington.