Trump gives approval to Brazil’s president possibly appointing son as US envoy

President Trump on Tuesday welcomed the possibility of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s son serving as the country’s ambassador to the United States and dismissed suggestions it was a case of nepotism.

“I know his son. I find his son to be outstanding. He’s a brilliant, wonderful young man,” Trump told reporters at the White House after returning from a trip to Virginia.

“I know his son, and that’s probably why they did it,” Trump added. “He’s outstanding. I’m very happy with that appointment.”{mosads}

The president said he does not believe it amounts to nepotism, noting that the younger Bolsonaro aided his father during his presidential campaign.

Bolsonaro has floated picking his son, Eduardo, to serve as an ambassador to the U.S. despite pushback from ethics watchdogs and Brazilian officials. He has argued that Eduardo’s relationship with Trump’s children would prove beneficial for the job, The New York Times reported.

Trump is no stranger to having his children work in his administration. His daughter, Ivanka Trump, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, both serve as senior White House advisers.

Bolsonaro earned the nickname “Trump of the Tropics” last year when he ran a populist campaign that railed against government institutions. The Brazillian leader has sparked criticism for inflammatory comments about women and the LGBTQ community.

Trump earlier Tuesday expressed fondness for Bolsonaro, noting the nickname.

“He’s a great gentleman,” Trump said as he left for Virginia in the morning. “In fact, they say the ‘Trump of Brazil.’ I like that. That’s a compliment.

“And, by the way, I think he’s doing a great job,” Trump added. “It’s a tough job, but I think your president is doing a fantastic job. He’s a wonderful man with a wonderful family.”