Trump declines to recognize Flávio Bolsonaro as Brazil’s ‘rightful president’ and says he won’t get involved

President Donald Trump declined Wednesday to endorse Flávio Bolsonaro’s claim that he is Brazil’s “rightful president,” saying he would not get involved in the dispute while again describing the election as “very strange.”

“I’m not going to make a comment about that,” Trump told reporters when asked whether he agreed with Bolsonaro’s declaration. “I won’t get involved. It was a very strange election, that’s for sure.”

Trump nevertheless defended Bolsonaro and his family, saying they had been treated “very unfairly.”

Asked whether he had spoken with Bolsonaro, Trump replied: “No, I have not.”

Bolsonaro has challenged the result of Brazil’s presidential election and declared himself the country’s rightful president after Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was declared the winner.

Trump has repeatedly criticized the handling of Brazil’s election but stopped short Wednesday of explicitly recognizing Bolsonaro’s claim to the presidency.

In separate remarks, Trump called for Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola to leave the Alaska race and said she should face criminal prosecution over allegations surrounding the campaign. Peltola has denied involvement.

Trump was also asked whether he had directed Vice President JD Vance to speak with Iran to begin peace negotiations.

“No,” Trump said, adding that Iran needed assistance with medical supplies. “Basically, it’s getting supplies in to help people that are not well.”