US Revokes Brazilian Ambassador’s Visa
The United States has revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to Washington, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, as a diplomatic dispute between the two countries intensifies. US officials described the action as reciprocal but clarified that the ambassador has not been formally expelled.
US Revokes Brazilian Ambassador Visa
The decision follows Brazil’s delay in approving Daniel “Danny” Perez, President Donald Trump’s nominee for US ambassador to Brazil. Washington has also criticised Brazil for denying visas to two American officials who planned to visit the country.
A senior US official said Viotti’s visa could be restored if Brazil grants formal approval for Perez’s appointment. The dispute has disrupted routine diplomatic engagement and created fresh uncertainty over relations between the two major economies in the Americas.
Brazil-US Diplomatic Dispute Deepens
Brazil has defended its handling of the nomination, maintaining that it followed established diplomatic procedures. The Brazilian government has also raised concerns about possible foreign interference ahead of the country’s presidential election scheduled for October.
Brazilian officials reportedly viewed the planned visits by the two US officials as politically sensitive because they were expected to discuss election integrity and freedom of expression. Washington has denied attempting to influence Brazil’s electoral process.
Trump-Lula Relations Face New Strain
The visa dispute adds to broader tensions between President Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Their governments have disagreed over trade, digital regulation, regional policy and Brazil’s treatment of conservative political voices.
Economic relations have also come under pressure after the US imposed a 25% tariff on certain Brazilian goods following a trade investigation. Despite the growing disagreements, Washington has indicated that it remains open to restoring normal diplomatic relations if reciprocal access and formal approval for its ambassadorial nominee are secured.
