US revokes Brazilian ambassador’s visa amid diplomatic row

The United States has revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to Washington, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, following Brazil’s delay in approving President Donald Trump’s nominee for US ambassador and its refusal to issue visas to two American diplomats.

A senior State Department official said the ambassador’s visa would be restored if Brazil granted formal approval, known as agrément, to Daniel Perez, Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Brasília.

The official said the visa revocation did not amount to expulsion and that Viotti would be allowed to remain in the United States.

Brazil has withheld approval for Perez, a Florida state representative and close ally of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whom Trump nominated on 1 June.

The Brazilian government rejected Washington’s action, describing the claims behind it as “false”. It said its consideration of Perez’s nomination was proceeding in accordance with established diplomatic practice and argued that the United States should have sought Brazil’s approval before publicly announcing the nomination.

The dispute intensified after Brazil denied visas last month to two officials from the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour.

Brazil said the officials’ planned visit was intended to question the credibility of its electoral system and amounted to an unacceptable attempt to interfere in the country’s political process.

The diplomatic row has further strained relations between Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and has become a significant issue ahead of Brazil’s October presidential election.

The United States accused Brazil of obstructing routine diplomatic engagement, while Brasília maintained that it was acting to protect its sovereignty and electoral process.

Despite the tensions, the State Department official said Washington remained committed to maintaining a constructive relationship with Brazil and hoped to restore normal diplomatic relations.

The dispute follows growing disagreements over trade, electoral issues and allegations of political interference. The United States recently imposed tariffs on some Brazilian exports, a move Lula linked to political pressure ahead of the election.

Lula is seeking another term and is expected to face Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro and an ally of Trump.