He ruled the most important economic power in Latin America with its 214 million inhabitants. Now Brazilian ex-president Jair Bolsonaro lives in a suburb near Disney World in Florida and eats alone at a fast food chain.
• Also read: Bolsonaro instigated a coup attempt, Lula claims
• Also read: Former Brazilian President Bolsonaro promises to remain active in politics
• Also read: Brasilia attacks: Bolsonaro wants a visa for six months to stay in the US
The former far-right leader fled to the United States in late December, days before supporters unhappy with his left-wing rival Lula’s victory in October’s presidential election invaded and destroyed Brazil’s presidential palace, Congress and Supreme Court.
Scenes reminiscent of the January 2021 attack on the Capitol in Washington by supporters of Donald Trump protesting the confirmation of his Democratic opponent Joe Biden’s victory.
Although he condemned the violence in Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro is the subject of an investigation by his country’s Supreme Court to determine his role in the January 8 attack on national institutions in Brasilia.
Accustomed to the luxurious Brazilian presidential palace, the “Trump of the Tropics”, as he is sometimes known, now lives in a small house owned by former Brazilian martial artist José Aldo.
Bolsonaro kept a low profile for his first few weeks in Florida, his only known activities being a trip to the grocery store and another to eat fried chicken alone at a KFC restaurant.
But the former leader came out of his reserve this week and made two speeches in a matter of days.
“More Popular Than Ever”
On Friday, the former Brazilian, who moved the crowds, spoke in Doral, north of Miami, in front of around 400 people at an event organized by the American conservative association Turning Point USA at a luxury hotel of ex-President Donald Trump, an ally and model of Bolsonaro he was in power.
“There is no greater satisfaction than duty accomplished,” declared the former president of his tenure (2019-2023) in a speech with the atmosphere of an electoral rally to a conquered public aged 31 and in the colors of Brazil.
On Tuesday, Jair Bolsonaro was speaking at a mall restaurant at a reception hosted by the Brazilian community in Florida, where he continued to question the October election result.
“Many people are still shocked by what happened during the elections (…). But we will face this moment and, God willing, we will win together,” he said, considering us “more popular than ever”.
On both occasions, Bolsonaro was warmly greeted by his most loyal supporters, who took photos with him and cheered him on.
An uncertain future
But the future of the former Brazilian leader remains uncertain. After Mr. Bolsonaro assured the press that he intended to return to Brazil at the end of January, Mr. Bolsonaro applied for a six-month visa to stay in the United States.
One of his children, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, said last week that the ex-president has no return date. “It could be tomorrow, it could be in six months, or it may never come back,” he told reporters.
“I am 67 years old and intend to remain active in Brazilian politics,” Jair Bolsonaro pounded in Orlando on Tuesday.
Whether he continues to keep his low profile as he did when he arrived in Florida or delivers speeches in his host country, which he paid tribute to on Friday, remains to be seen.
“I’ve always been a great admirer of the American people. His freedoms, his patriotism and his love of the flag,” he stressed.