Bolsonaro boarded a presidential flight from Palacio de la Alvorada on a trip to the United States on Friday afternoon. The journey included a brief stop at Boa Vista International Airport in Roraima, with the aircraft taking off at 7:00 pm local time and arriving in Orlando, Florida at 11:00 pm.
Bolsonaro has arrived in Florida, a moment captured by photographers and reporters as he continues his travel schedule in the weeks ahead. The arrival comes as the former president presses ahead with plans that keep him active on the international stage even after leaving office.
This travel takes place while Lula prepares to be inaugurated, a fact that means Bolsonaro will not personally transfer the presidential sash, the traditional symbol of power transfer. The information regarding the trip has been traced to public outlets that monitor government movements.
Earlier on Friday, the government released a permit in the Official Gazette allowing senior officials who are expected to join Bolsonaro as advisers during the transition to accompany him on his trip to the United States. This step is part of the broader process of shaping the incoming administrative team and maintaining continuity in policy discussions during the transition period.
In the days leading up to the journey, Bolsonaro has noticeably reduced his media presence. His public appearances on social media have diminished in recent weeks, a shift that has been evident since the election results were announced.
The trip illustrates how exit-year political maneuvering often involves balancing domestic political timelines with international engagements. Analysts note that such visits can influence ongoing discussions about policy directions and international relationships, even when a transition is underway. Observers are watching closely how the former president utilizes this period to engage with international stakeholders, explain positions, and potentially advocate for priorities that still resonate with his base.
As the United States continues to evolve on the global stage, the presence of returning leaders and transitional teams can shape conversations on cross-border issues, security cooperation, and economic ties. The movements of high-level figures during a transition are often parsed for signals about future collaborations and shifts in policy emphasis on both sides of the Atlantic.
Overall, the sequence of events surrounding Bolsonaro’s travel reflects a broader pattern seen in many democracies: leadership transitions do not halt international outreach. Even as official power changes hands, former heads of state frequently maintain international contact to discuss ongoing matters, align on shared interests, and ensure that bilateral relationships endure beyond a single administration.