Flávio Bolsonaro's Senate run draws criticism over U.S. ties

Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, is a pre‑candidate for the Senate seat from Rio de Janeiro. His campaign has come under scrutiny after reports linked him to illegal possession of a firearm and other investigations.

PSD leader Gilberto Kassab, also running as a vice‑presidential pre‑candidate, publicly condemned Flávio’s association with former U.S. President Donald Trump and a recent U.S. tariff dispute. Kassab said the Bolsonaro family’s attempts to influence the Trump administration and a letter from Flávio to U.S. officials asking to delay a 25% tariff on Brazilian products “damaged” their image and helped President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva regain polling strength.