Trump declines to back Lula or Flávio Bolsonaro as Brazil votes

US President Donald Trump has refrained from endorsing any of the two leading candidates in Brazil's presidential election, which takes place on Sunday. When confronted by reporters twice prior to his departure on a presidential helicopter, Trump expressed cautious optimism, stating that he is closely monitoring the election and finds the people of Brazil to be fantastic.

Trump's stance on the matter differs from his administration's strained relationship with Brazil, which has seen increased tensions such as the imposition of new tariffs on Brazilian goods and sanctions on Brazilian citizens and companies over alleged links to criminal organizations. In 2025, the Brazilian Intelligence Agency reported a critical level of concern regarding potential US interference, although they did not claim actual interference.

The Brazilian Intelligence Agency's assessment is considered preventive and not based on confirmed interference instances. Democratic lawmakers in the United States have accused Secretary of State Marco Rubio of acting as an agent of interference and destabilization in Brazil. According to polls, Lula and Bolsonaro are currently tied, with a potential runoff scheduled for October 25 if no candidate secures over 50% of the valid votes.

Voting in Brazil is conducted electronically, with results typically available within hours of the polls closing.