U.S. Revokes Brazil’s Ambassador Visa in Diplomatic Dispute

The Trump administration has revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to the United States as a response to Brazil’s denial of visas for two American diplomats who planned to visit before Brazil’s elections. The U.S. also accused Brazil of delaying approval for President Donald Trump’s nominee to be ambassador in Brazil.

The State Department said the decision was reciprocal and could be reversed if Brazil accepts Trump’s choice of Danny Perez as U.S. Ambassador to Brazil. Brazil, however, criticized the move, calling it politically motivated and a violation of international law. They claimed the U.S. aimed to influence Brazil’s election.

Tensions between Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva have been high due to disagreements over policies in the Western Hemisphere, particularly regarding Venezuela and Cuba. Trump has also shown support for Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently under house arrest, and his son Flávio, a main opponent of Lula in the election.

Brazil’s ambassador, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, remains in the U.S. but cannot perform her duties until Brazil approves Perez’s nomination. Brazil argued that the U.S. should have privately sought consent for sending an ambassador under the Vienna Convention before making it public.

The diplomatic spat escalated further when Brazil denied visas to two American officials who planned to discuss election integrity and human rights during a visit in July. The U.S. denied allegations of interference, while Brazil accused them of trying to undermine its electoral process.

Brazil expressed frustration over what it sees as a pattern of hostile actions by the U.S., driven by ideological motives. It emphasized that these moves are incompatible with mutual respect and threaten their bilateral relationship.