The political world has taken advantage of the great interest in the Olympics to try to politically exploit the Paris games. On one side, allies of President Lula (PT) praised the fact that several Brazilian representatives received the Bolsa Atleta, a program created by the PT member in 2005.

On the other hand, Bolsonarists used the trip of the first lady, Rosângela Lula da Silva, known as Janja, to Paris to criticize the government and attacked a post by the Ministry of Communications about a photo of gymnast Rebeca Andrade.

The games also served to reinforce traditional right-wing agendas, with the exaltation of the military background of Beatriz Souza, gold medalist in judo, and statements on gender identity fueled by a heated debate in women's boxing.

Allies of Jair Bolsonaro (PL) also sought to link the PT government to the taxation of prizes for medalists, although the tax collection has existed since the 1970s and was also enforced during the former president's administration.