US Revokes Brazil Ambassador Visa Amid Trump-Lula Diplomatic Dispute
The United States has revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador in Washington, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, marking a new escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
A US State Department official said the move was temporary and does not mean the ambassador will be expelled. The visa could be restored if Brazil approves Washington’s nominee for ambassador to Brazil, Danny Perez.
The dispute began after Brazil delayed approving Perez’s nomination, with officials saying the US announcement broke diplomatic protocol by moving forward before consultation with Brasília.
Relations between Washington and Brasília have already deteriorated over trade disputes, election concerns, and political differences. Brazil recently rejected US officials’ visas over concerns about interference in its electoral system ahead of October’s presidential election.
The tensions also reflect the political divide between US President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Trump has supported Brazil’s right-wing Bolsonaro family, while Lula has criticised increased US influence in Latin America.
