President Trump Donald John TrumpSteele Dossier sub-source was subject of FBI counterintelligence probe Pelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' Trump 'no longer angry' at Romney because of Supreme Court stance MORE 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."

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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 Ivana (Ivanka) Marie TrumpThe Hill's 12:30 Report: Trump stokes fears over November election outcome Special counsel investigating DeVos for potential Hatch Act violation: report Trump, Biden vie for Minnesota MORE, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner Jared Corey KushnerAbraham Accords: New hope for peace in Middle East Tenants in Kushner building file lawsuit alleging dangerous living conditions Trump hosts Israel, UAE, Bahrain for historic signing MORE, 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."