by Plínio Teodoro
Supporters of far-right presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro brought an inflatable missile to a rally in São Paulo, on Sunday, October 19, calling for Donald Trump to attack Brazil with nuclear weapons.
Those in the crowd also carried U.S. and Israeli flags. Despite developments underscoring the subservient nature of his candidacy, Bolsonaro instructed organizers to hide the flags.
Supporters of Flávio Bolsonaro wave Brazilian and U.S. flags during a rally in São Paulo, Brazil, on October 18, 2026. (Photo by Miguel SCHINCARIOL / AFP via Getty Images)
Images circulating on social media show Bolsonaro supporters with an inflatable missile on Avenida Paulista, bearing the words: “Trump nuke Brazil.”
The incident was brought to light on social media by Federal Deputy Sâmia Bomfim and elected official Natalia Boulos, both from the left PSOL party in São Paulo.
“Sellouts, traitors to the nation,” wrote Bomfim in a post. “This is exactly what we’re fighting against. Ridiculously low acts like this. For the sovereignty of our country, out of love for Brazil and its people: Lula 13.”
“Look at what they want for the country! It’s scandalous,” wrote Boulos.
Before the speeches began, the event organizers intervened, requesting that flags of foreign nations, such as the United States and Israel, be put away, in an attempt to keep the focus of the rally on national symbols.
“Today is about the Brazilian nation. I would like to ask that flags from other countries be taken down,” said a member of the organizing team from the main sound truck. Despite this request, photo agencies captured several U.S. flags, as well as a banner written in English calling for freedom for the “patriots.”
This article was originally published by Revista Forum. It was translated by Panamerican Dispatch. You can read the original, in Portuguese, here.
