Brazil’s Bolsonaro visits CIA on first US trip after election

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro visited the CIA Monday, a move that was not on the public agenda for his first trip to the U.S.

One of Bolsonaro’s sons confirmed that they were visiting the CIA, calling it one of the “most respected” intelligence agencies in the world.

“Going now with president @jairbolsonaroe and ministers to the CIA, one of the most respected intelligence agencies in the world,” Eduardo Bolsonaro, a lawmaker who is traveling with his father, tweeted. “It’ll be an excellent opportunity to speak about international relations topics in the region with experts and the technicians of the highest level.”

Indo agora com o PR @jairbolsonaroe ministros para a CIA, uma das agências de inteligência mais respeitadas do mundo. Será uma excelente oportunidade de conversar sobre temas internacionais da região com técnicos e peritos do mais alto gabarito.

— Eduardo Bolsonaro (@BolsonaroSP) March 18, 2019

Bolsonaro’s right-wing, populist policies have led many to draw parallels between him and President Trump, earning him the nickname “Trump of the Tropics.”  

{mosads}He has received significant criticism for praising Brazil’s former military dictatorship, advocating for torture, threatening to jail political opponents, and criticizing women and the LGBTQ community.

Later Monday, Bolsonaro is set to meet with former Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson and deliver remarks at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, according to Reuters.

Bolsonaro is then scheduled to meet with Trump Tuesday to discuss a range of issues, including the ongoing situation in Venezuela, according to the White House.