Eduardo Bolsonaro has announced his intention to seek political asylum in the United States amid claims of political persecution in his home country. His decision to seek asylum has received support from his father while highlighting growing tensions between the Bolsonaro family and Brazil’s current judicial authorities. What legal consequences might Eduardo face if he returns to Brazil?
Claims of Political Persecution
Eduardo Bolsonaro, representing São Paulo in Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies, has taken a dramatic step by seeking political asylum in the United States, claiming persecution by Brazil’s Supreme Federal Tribunal Minister Alexandre de Moraes. The congressman, who has been in the U.S. since February, announced his decision after filing for an unpaid leave from his legislative duties, citing what he describes as a systematic campaign against him that threatens Brazil’s democratic institutions.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms, Eduardo Bolsonaro accused de Moraes of attempting to illegally confiscate his passport following allegations that he conspired with members of the U.S. Congress against Brazil’s judiciary. The son of former president Jair Bolsonaro has emphatically denied these allegations, characterizing them as part of a broader pattern of judicial overreach that undermines parliamentary immunity and constitutional protections.
Federal Deputy in Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies and son of the former Brazilian President @BolsonaroSP BREAKS THE NEWS to @MattGaetz that he is considering seeking asylum in the United States because he “cannot go back to Brazil,” citing threats from “crazy” Brazilian Supreme… pic.twitter.com/odQSItL1y8
— One America News (@OANN) March 19, 2025
Legal Challenges and Allegations
The controversy escalated when a group of Brazilian legislators requested an investigation into Eduardo Bolsonaro for alleged crimes against national sovereignty. This request came after Eduardo reportedly met with U.S. lawmakers to discuss concerns about Brazil’s judiciary, activities that his critics characterized as undermining Brazilian institutions and potentially violating national security laws.
Despite the serious nature of these allegations, Brazil’s top court justice denied the request to seize Eduardo’s passport, a decision that contradicts the congressman’s claims of imminent document confiscation. Eduardo has nonetheless decided to remain in the United States, expressing fears that he would face arbitrary detention or other punitive measures if he returned to Brazil under the current political climate.
🇧🇷🇺🇸 REP EDUARDO BOLSONARO: USAID HURT BRAZIL—TRUMP CAN HELP US FIX IT
"We expect help from the United States, not only because we are traditional allies, but also because everyone sees how influential the United States can be.
For example, with USAID as well as money from the… https://t.co/Y8oEcYtN8J pic.twitter.com/28egOc21AI
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 7, 2025
Political Implications and Future Plans
Former President Jair Bolsonaro has publicly supported his son’s decision to seek asylum, reinforcing the family’s narrative of political persecution by Brazil’s current authorities. The elder Bolsonaro, who himself has faced legal challenges since leaving office, characterized the moves against his son as part of a broader campaign targeting conservatives in Brazilian politics.
Under Brazilian law, Eduardo can maintain his congressional seat during a leave of absence for up to 120 days without losing his mandate. If his absence extends beyond this period, his seat will be temporarily filled by Missionary José Olímpio, potentially complicating his political future in Brazil regardless of the outcome of his asylum request.
Eduardo has stated that he plans to use his time in the United States to focus on seeking justice against what he perceives as de Moraes’ illegal actions and to raise international awareness about alleged human rights violations in Brazil. This move represents a significant escalation in the ongoing political tensions between the Bolsonaro family and Brazil’s judicial authorities, with potential implications for both Brazilian domestic politics and U.S.-Brazil relations.