Trump questions Brazilian election as Bolsonaro arrives in Florida

Brazilian presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro arrives in Florida following his election loss to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, sparking strong responses from US President Donald Trump who called the election "strange."

In a statement made via social media, Bolsonaro affirms he "did not flee Brazil" and his intentions to lead the Liberal party while in the US.

In statements released during his journey, Brazilian presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro claimed he was the "president-elect, and those who stole Brazil's election are part of a criminal organisation that has established a tyranny."

In a subsequent statement, Bolsonaro said he will "lead the opposition from here," as he begins self-impose exile in the US.

Speaking at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland prior to a campaign visit to Ohio, US President Donald Trump addressed reporters and voiced his support for Bolsonaro.

"But I know that we gave him a pass to come into the country, so we'll see.

But I won't get involved.

It was a very strange election, that's for sure.

I thought they were treated very unfairly.

I thought, I thought they were treated very unfairly and I didn't take a position in the election, as you know, but when I see something that's inappropriate, I bring it up.

I thought he and his family were treated very unfairly." said Trump.

The departure of Bolsonaro triggered sharp disagreement across Brazil.

In Rio de Janeiro, some citizens defended his flight as a necessary escape from judicial persecution and potential imprisonment, while others denounced the move as "an act of cowardice" to evade "consequences".

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called the act of leaving Brazil "shameful", asserting that Bolsonaro should have stayed to address the accusations.

However, Brazil's Superior Electoral Court reaffirmed the election strictly adhered to constitutional standards.

The former candidate faces ongoing Supreme Court investigations involving alleged "corruption, money laundering and tax evasion."

Bolsonaro and his family landed in Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport on Wednesday morning.

The family first crossed into Argentina by land before boarding a private charter flight to Florida via Ecuador.

Following their arrival, vehicles shielded by umbrellas were deployed outside the terminal as a suspect decoy before the family departed through the exit gate.

However, it not yet clear where Bolsonaro will ultimately go, nor how long he intends to stay in the US.