Family Affair: Bolsonaro Wants Son Eduardo to Become Brazil’s Ambassador to U.S.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – (Reuters) Eduardo Bolsonaro, currently a federal congressman, told reporters he would accept the role if nominated. His father said earlier that the appointment would hinge on his son’s acceptance.

Because of his numerous trips abroad and considerable influence on the president, Eduardo Bolsonaro had already been considered Brazil’s “Parallel Chancellor” for several months.

“If it is a mission given by the president, I would accept,” Eduardo Bolsonaro told reporters, adding he was prepared to resign from Congress if the president appoints him.

He added the final nomination still depended on conversations with his father and Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo.

The president said his son speaks English fluently, has a good relationship with the family of U.S. President Donald Trump, and “would handle the task perfectly.”

The appointment would need to be approved by the Senate’s foreign relations committee before submission to the full upper house for confirmation.

Brazil’s previous ambassador to Washington retired in April.

President Jair Bolsonaro, who said his campaign last year was inspired by U.S. President Donald Trump, has made friendly overtures to the American leader and made similar use of family members as official advisers.

Bolsonaro’s eldest son, Flavio, is advancing his conservative social agenda as a senator.
Carlos Bolsonaro, another son of the president and a Rio de Janeiro city councilman, has taken a role in his father’s social media communications and stirred controversy by attacking members of the Brazilian cabinet.

(Source: Reuters)