US revokes visa of Brazil’s ambassador to Washington in escalating row

The United States has revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador to Washington, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, in an escalating diplomatic dispute. A State Department official stated that this action is contingent on Brazil approving the US President's nominee for ambassador to Brasilia, Daniel Perez. The US expects a "prompt and positive answer" from Brazil regarding Perez's nomination, which still requires Senate confirmation. The ambassador is not being declared persona non grata. This development occurs months before elections in Brazil.

The US has revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador to the US, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, in retaliation for Brazil's refusal to approve President Trump's nominee for ambassador in Brasília and its decision to deny visas to two US diplomats. The US State Department stated this action is reciprocal and can be reversed if Brazil approves the nominee, Daniel Perez. Brazil condemned the US action as a deliberate escalation motivated by ideological reasons and an attempt to influence its upcoming election. The dispute is entangled with Brazil's election campaign, where President Lula is seeking re-election. Brazil also accused the US of breaching diplomatic norms by announcing the nominee before seeking consent. The US maintains the president has the right to choose his representatives abroad.

The US has revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador to the United States, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, in response to Brazil's delay in approving President Trump's nominee for ambassador to Brazil, Danny Perez. A US State Department official stated this action is not an expulsion and that Ribeiro Viotti's visa would be restored if Brazil grants approval for Perez. This tit-for-tat diplomatic move escalates existing tensions between the two nations, particularly concerning Brazil's upcoming presidential election in October. Brazil had previously denied visas to US officials, citing concerns about election interference, and has expressed wariness about potential US influence favoring right-wing candidates.

The Trump administration has revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador to the United States in retaliation for Brazil's denial of visas to two American diplomats and for Brazil's delay in approving President Trump's nominee for ambassador to Brasilia. The State Department stated this reciprocal action could be reversed if Brazil accepts Trump's ambassadorial choice. Brazil had denied visas to U.S. diplomats Riley Barnes and an aide, who planned to discuss election integrity, and has stalled on approving former Florida House speaker Danny Perez as the U.S. ambassador. The U.S. government claims Brazil engages in unfair competition and fails to stop forced labor, accusations Brazil rejects as attempts to influence the upcoming election. The ambassador is not being expelled and could resume her duties if Brazil approves Perez.