Crises, disputes and reconciliations: conflicts between Michelle and Bolsonaro's children

Throughout this period, the friction mainly involved the former Rio councilor Carlos Bolsonaro (PL-SC), but also affected the senator and pre-candidate for the Presidency, Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ), and the former federal deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro (PL-SP). At different times, Jair Bolsonaro admitted the distance between Michelle and Carlos, while the former first lady claimed to have been disrespected by her stepchildren.

Below is the chronology of the main episodes.

First signs appeared at the presidential inauguration

The first public episode occurred on January 1, 2019, during Jair Bolsonaro's inauguration ceremony. In the traditional open car parade, Carlos Bolsonaro occupied the back seat of the Rolls-Royce alongside his father and Michelle, breaking the protocol that normally reserves space for the presidential couple.

At the time, the attitude was interpreted by allies as a recognition of the role played by Carlos in the presidential campaign, but it also came to be seen as one of the first signs of the dispute for proximity with the then president.

Social networks exposed the first frictions

After Bolsonaro's defeat in the 2022 elections, the relationship gained a new chapter.

Michelle and Jair Bolsonaro stopped following each other on Instagram, fueling speculation about possible friction between the couple. The then first lady stated that her husband's networks were managed by third parties and assured that the two remained united.

Behind the scenes, however, the episode was associated with the actions of Carlos Bolsonaro, responsible for managing his father's digital profiles for more than a decade. Michelle also did not follow Carlos or Jair Renan on social media.

Indirect exchanges involved the family

In July 2024, Carlos Bolsonaro publicly complained about his father after a photograph in which Jair Bolsonaro appeared with the daughter of deputy Nikolas Ferreira (PL-MG).

On social media, Carlos wrote: "It's cool for the guy to do this to his daughter and not to mine."

A few hours later, Michelle published a message wishing that God would free the child "from all envy and evil". Although it did not mention his stepson, the publication was interpreted as a response to Carlos' comment.

Bolsonaro confirmed breakup between Michelle and Carlos

The tension was confirmed by Jair Bolsonaro himself in February 2025.

In an interview with the Leo Dias TV channel, the former president stated that Michelle and Carlos did not speak to each other and suggested that the conflict was related to personal issues and jealousy.

According to Bolsonaro, the former first lady's relationship with her children has always had "ups and downs."

Michelle said she forgave him, but preferred to keep her distance

Just over a month later, Michelle spoke publicly about the matter. In an interview with journalist Alexandre Garcia, he stated that he had forgiven Carlos, but that he did not intend to live with him.

She said that the relationship was never easy, attributed part of the strain to the age difference between her and Jair Bolsonaro and stated that she prefers to keep her distance to avoid new conflicts.

Michelle also highlighted that she never tried to impede the relationship between father and son and that Bolsonaro remained free to travel and spend time with Carlos.

Bolsonaro's surgery brought both sides together

In April 2025, during Jair Bolsonaro's recovery after abdominal surgery, a movement towards rapprochement occurred.

Carlos publicly praised Michelle, stating that she took care of the former president "like a lioness" and played a fundamental role in his recovery.

Days earlier, during an event on Avenida Paulista, Michelle had greeted Carlos with a kiss on the cheek, a gesture considered unlikely by allies given the history of disagreements.

Political divergence amplified family crisis

The relationship began to shake again at the end of 2025, now for political reasons. During an event in Ceará, Michelle criticized the collaboration between deputy André Fernandes (PL-CE) and former minister Ciro Gomes (PSDB) - now a candidate for the government of Ceará with the support of PL.

The statement provoked a reaction from Bolsonaro's three sons, who stated that the understanding had occurred with the former president's authorization.

Carlos published that it was necessary to respect his father's leadership. Eduardo classified Michelle's stance as unfair and disrespectful.

After the repercussions, Michelle released a note stating that she respected her stepchildren's opinion and asked them to understand her position. Flávio later said he had spoken to her and apologized for having called her authoritarian.

Election year intensified internal disputes

In 2026, Michelle announced that she would not participate in Flávio Bolsonaro's presidential campaign, although she also did not intend to publicly criticize him.

Shortly afterwards, Eduardo Bolsonaro stated that both Michelle and Nikolas Ferreira should dedicate themselves more intensely to their brother's candidacy and said that both suffered from "amnesia" after not showing enough support.

At the same time, Michelle published support for congresswoman Caroline de Toni in the dispute for a Senate seat in Santa Catarina, a movement seen as contrary to Carlos Bolsonaro's electoral aspirations in the State.

Accusation of humiliation marked the worst moment of the crisis

In June 2026, Michelle released a video stating that Flávio Bolsonaro had treated her harshly during a phone call.

According to her, the senator said it would be better if she remained away from the party's decisions because she did not understand politics, which she classified as a "stab".

The statements deepened the crisis within the family and had wide repercussions among PL allies.

Edward