Américo de Deus Rodrigues Thomaz OSE ComA GOA ComC GCC GCoITE[2] (Portuguese pronunciation: [ɐˈmɛɾiku ðɨ ˈðewʒ ʁuˈðɾiɣɨʃ tuˈmaʃ]; 19 November 1894 – 18 September 1987) was a Portuguese Navy officer and politician who served as the 13th president of Portugal from 1958 to 1974.

In 1958, Thomaz was chosen by then-Prime Minister António Salazar as the candidate of the ruling National Union party for the presidency of the republic, succeeding Francisco Craveiro Lopes.

Salazar was alarmed enough that he pushed through a constitutional amendment transferring the election of the president to the legislature, which was firmly controlled by the regime.

Thomaz's virtual powerlessness in the office under Salazar made him little more than a decorative figure at inaugurations and festivities.

Eventually, Thomaz became the rallying point for hardliners who opposed Caetano's efforts to open up the regime.

For instance, he left the presidential election in the hands of the regime-dominated legislature, which re-elected Thomaz unopposed in 1972.

Thomaz, unlike his predecessor, lived in his private residence while President of the Republic, using the Belém Palace only as an office and for official ceremonies.

[5] After being removed from power, Thomaz was exiled to Brazil; in 1978, Ramalho Eanes allowed his return to Portugal.

After his return from exile, Américo Thomaz lived practically isolated, having gone through serious financial difficulties, being forced to sell various gifts and valuables from when he was president.

His funeral was simple and modest, without any representation or military or state honors, being buried in the Ajuda Cemetery.