'USA IS WITH YOU!!'
Donald Trump congratulates Jair Bolsonaro as controversial firebrand is sworn in as Brazil president
US president praises 'Trump of the Tropics' saying: 'The USA is with you'
DONALD Trump congratulated controversial firebrand Jair Bolsonaro as he was sworn in as president of Brazil yesterday.
Posting on Twitter, the US president praised far-right Bolsonaro's inauguration speech, adding: "The USA is with you."
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Dubbed the "Trump of the Tropics" because of his views, Bolsonaro, 63, has previously been charged with inciting hatred by Brazil's attorney general.
Known for making derogatory remarks, he once told a congresswoman: "I wouldn't rape you because you're not worthy of it."
He also said he would "rather his son die in a car accident than be gay".
Yet he rode a wave of anti-establishment anger to win 55 per cent of the votes in October's election, vowing to crackdown on corruption and violent crime that saw 63,000 people killed in Brazil last year.
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Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro receives presidental sash and say that he will 'restore order'
In his address he said his country had been "liberated from socialism and political correctness" now that he had taken power.
He told Brazil's 210 million people that "we have a great nation to rebuild" and promised that he had put together a talented team of ministers to do just that.
Bolsonaro responded to Trump in a tweet that has been pinned to the top of his account.
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He wrote: "I truly appreciate your words of encouragement. Together, under God's protection, we shall bring prosperity and progress to our people!"
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was present at the historic inauguration ceremony on behalf of the US, which was also attended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu tweeted upon his arrival in Brasilia to congratulate his "friend" Bolsonaro, who has said he plans to move the Brazilian embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Jair Bolsonaro takes the oath of office as president of Brazil
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Bolsonaro waved to crowds of supporters draped in Brazilian flags as he made his way to the presidential palace in an open-top Rolls-Royce, alongside his wife Michelle.
Guards on horses surrounded the couple, with 3,000 police officers patrolling the event alongside military tanks, fighter jets and even anti-aircraft missiles.
Bolsonaro's requested extra security as he was stabbed in the stomach at a rally in September as opponents took issue with some of his divisive rhetoric.
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