U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Saturday that the Trump administration did not assist Brazil's defeated presidential candidate, Flavio Bolsonaro, in fleeing the country for the United States.

Bolsonaro arrived in Miami, Florida, on Wednesday, shortly after the U.S. Department of State announced that he and his family would be granted visas following his election loss on October 25 to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Rubio, speaking to reporters in Atlanta, Georgia, where diplomats from the Group of 20 largest world economies were gathered, clarified the U.S. government's position. "We didn't facilitate anything," Rubio said. He added that the administration was aware of Bolsonaro's arrival and that the former president had a pre-existing visa. President Trump made the decision to permit his entry, Rubio explained, emphasizing that the U.S. government was not "involved directly in any of the moves that were made."

Bolsonaro is currently facing investigations in Brazil related to alleged corruption, money laundering, and tax evasion. Authorities had ordered him to surrender his passport, viewing him as a flight risk prior to his departure.

Rubio mentioned that he had met with Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira in Atlanta and anticipated further discussions with Brazilian officials in November during a foreign ministers' meeting in France. These interactions suggest ongoing diplomatic engagement despite the political complexities surrounding Bolsonaro's status.

Separately, former President Donald Trump, who had previously characterized the Brazilian election as "rigged," expressed sympathy for Bolsonaro. Trump stated that Bolsonaro had "been treated very shabbily" and could "stay here as long as he wants."

Reuters reported that Bolsonaro was admitted to the U.S. under humanitarian parole, a status typically granted for one year. Trump's comments indicate that relations between the United States and Brazil could remain strained.

Bolsonaro has not conceded the election results, alleging fraud without providing evidence. Since arriving in the U.S., he has referred to himself as Brazil's true "leader" and claimed he left the country due to being a victim.

Bolsonaro's journey to the U.S. reportedly involved stops in Argentina and Ecuador. Some U.S. media outlets suggested that Jason Miller, a former White House official, may have played a role in arranging parts of this travel.