WASHINGTON, — The United States has revoked the visa of Brazilian Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, escalating a growing diplomatic dispute with Brazil over ambassadorial appointments and visa restrictions.
A senior US State Department official said the decision followed Brazil’s continued delay in granting formal approval, known as agrément, for President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as the next US ambassador to Brazil.
The dispute has further strained relations between Washington and Brasília ahead of Brazil’s presidential election scheduled for October.
Washington Links Visa Decision to Ambassadorial Approval
According to the State Department, the visa suspension is intended as a reciprocal diplomatic measure rather than an expulsion.
Officials stressed that Ambassador Viotti remains in the United States but currently does not possess a valid diplomatic visa.
The official added that the visa could be restored once Brazil formally approves Washington’s ambassadorial nominee.
“The visa can be restored if the diplomatic balance is re-established,” the senior official said.
Brazil Delays Approval of US Ambassador Nominee
President Trump nominated Daniel Perez, a Florida state representative and ally of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as US ambassador to Brazil on June 1.
Brazil has not yet granted the required diplomatic approval.
Brazilian officials argue that the United States announced the nomination before securing Brazil’s consent, which they say conflicts with established diplomatic practice.
Brazil Rejects US Claims
Brazil’s government rejected Washington’s explanation and described the US action as being based on what it called false claims.
Brasília said its review of Perez’s nomination continues under normal diplomatic procedures.
Officials also defended their earlier decision to deny visas to two US diplomats from the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.
Brazil said those officials planned activities that could interfere in the country’s internal political process.
Election Tensions Add Pressure
The diplomatic disagreement comes during an intense political season in Brazil.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is seeking another term in October’s presidential election.
Opinion surveys currently place Lula ahead of Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Political disagreements between Washington and Brasília have increasingly overlapped with election-related issues.
Trade Disputes Deepen the Rift
Relations between the two countries have also deteriorated over trade.
Last month, Washington imposed a 25% tariff on several Brazilian products, citing unfair trade practices.
President Lula responded by accusing the Bolsonaro family of encouraging the US measures for political purposes.
The Bolsonaro family has denied those allegations.
US Calls for Restoring Normal Relations
Despite the latest dispute, the State Department said Washington still values its relationship with Brazil.
Officials emphasized that the United States respects the democratic choices of the Brazilian people and hopes diplomatic relations will return to normal.
The department did not rule out additional reciprocal measures if the current impasse continues.
Key Highlights
- The US revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to Washington.
- The move follows Brazil’s delay in approving the US ambassador nominee.
- Brazil rejected the US explanation and called the claims false.
- Brasília also defended denying visas to two American diplomats.
- Diplomatic tensions have intensified ahead of Brazil’s October election.
- Trade disputes have added further pressure to bilateral relations.
Featured Snippet
The United States revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador after Brazil delayed approval of Washington’s ambassadorial nominee and denied visas to two US diplomats, further escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Why did the US revoke Brazil’s ambassador’s visa?
Washington says the decision is a reciprocal response to Brazil’s delay in approving the US ambassador nominee and its denial of visas to two American diplomats.
Was the ambassador expelled from the United States?
No. According to US officials, the ambassador remains in the country, but her diplomatic visa has been revoked.
Who is the US ambassador nominee?
President Donald Trump nominated Florida state representative Daniel Perez as US ambassador to Brazil.
What other issues are affecting US-Brazil relations?
Trade tariffs, election-related disagreements and diplomatic disputes have all contributed to worsening relations.
