Bolsonaro’s Son Seeks Asylum in America

United States flag waving against blue sky — US American flag waving in the wind with a blue sky in background

Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, seeks asylum in the U.S., alleging political persecution in his home country.

Key Takeaways

Eduardo Bolsonaro announced plans to seek political asylum in the U.S.
He claims persecution by Brazilian Supreme Federal Tribunal Minister Alexandre de Moraes.
Bolsonaro has been in the U.S. since February and does not plan to return to Brazil.
The request to seize his passport was denied by Brazil’s top court justice.
Former President Jair Bolsonaro supports his son’s decision to seek asylum.

The Move to the U.S.

The son of Brazil’s former leader, Eduardo Bolsonaro, has sought refuge in the U.S. after expressing concerns over political persecution. Since February, Bolsonaro has been in the United States following issues with the Brazilian judiciary. He claims these issues are a response to alleged conspiracies against Minister Alexandre de Moraes of the Supreme Federal Tribunal, a central figure in his allegations.

🚨🇧🇷🇺🇸EDUARDO BOLSONARO STAYS IN U.S. TO ESCAPE POLITICAL PERSECUTION

Jair Bolsonaro’s son says he won’t return to Brazil, claiming he’s being targeted by the Supreme Court for his political views.

Instead, he’s taking leave from Congress to lobby Trump for amnesty for January… https://t.co/tnwlLxpZEH pic.twitter.com/JRw0i7W3sb

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 19, 2025

Efforts to take Bolsonaro’s passport, previously requested by a group of Brazilian legislators, were blocked by Brazil’s highest court. This enables him to remain outside Brazil while he focuses on his claims of judicial overreach.

Claims of Persecution

Eduardo Bolsonaro voices deep concerns about the erosion of parliamentary immunity and accuses de Moraes of engaging in what he terms “illegal actions.” His allegations paint a picture of systemic attempts to suppress dissent and silence critical voices in Brazil. Despite these contentions, his move to the United States signals a significant step in his ongoing struggle for justice.

Many in Brazil question claims of persecution. Requests for an investigation into Bolsonaro for allegedly undermining Brazilian sovereignty have surfaced from domestic legislative peers.

Seeking Reform and Justice

While in the U.S., Bolsonaro plans to spearhead efforts that highlight what he describes as the need for reform and justice regarding human rights being reportedly infringed by current Brazilian judicial practices. He hopes to have a voice against those he views as opponents of parliamentary liberty and justice.

Bolsonaro’s father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, supports his son’s decisions and actions. His seat in Congress remains intact, temporarily, and if his absence extends beyond 120 days, Missionary José Olímpio may assume the role. This reflects the looming possibility of a more prolonged stay in the United States.