Flavio Bolsonaro Says He Is Brazil's True President After Leaving for the United States

Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro made his first public remarks on Wednesday since leaving Brazil for the United States, declaring himself the country's rightful president. His departure followed his defeat in Sunday's presidential election.

"I address the Brazilian people and the international community as the true elected president of Brazil," Bolsonaro said. He also thanked U.S. President Trump and what he called the "wonderful American people" for welcoming him.

Bolsonaro alleged that the vote was manipulated. "On Sunday night, I watched in horror as electoral fraud unfolded right before my eyes," he said. The source report presents the claim as his allegation and does not offer evidence for it.

He said he had foreseen the consequences of losing and had never planned to abandon his homeland. According to Bolsonaro, he "knew exactly where this was headed." He characterized the actions taken against him since the election as a "politically motivated witch hunt intended to hold me hostage."

Bolsonaro said he brought his family to the United States because of what he described as the "politicization of the justice system in Brazil." He rejected the idea that he had run away from the country. "I did not flee Brazil. I left for Brazil's sake," he said, adding that he had left "a state of exception so that I could be the leader my people deserve."

The senator also appealed to governments and institutions abroad. "To the international community, I ask not to normalize what is happening in Brazil," he said.

Bolsonaro affirmed that he intends to lead the opposition from the United States. His remarks leave open how he plans to carry out that role from outside Brazil.

Reuters contributed to this report.