Trump Administration Revokes Brazilian Ambassador's Visa Amid Escalating Diplomatic Dispute

The Trump administration has revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador to Washington, sharply escalating a diplomatic dispute after Brazil delayed approval of the president's nominee for U.S. ambassador and denied visas to two American diplomats.

A senior State Department official said Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti's visa was canceled as a reciprocal measure, but stressed she was not being expelled from the United States. The official said her visa would be restored if Brazil grants agrément, the formal approval required before a new ambassador can take up the post.

"It means that they are here but without a visa, and would have their visa restored if the balance is restored by giving agrément to our chosen ambassadorial nominee," the official said.

President Donald Trump nominated Florida state Rep. Daniel Perez as U.S. ambassador to Brazil on June 1, but Brazil has yet to formally approve his appointment. Brazilian officials rejected Washington's criticism on Tuesday, calling it "false" and arguing the nomination is being handled in accordance with normal diplomatic procedures. Brazil also said the United States announced Perez's nomination before securing the country's approval.

The diplomatic standoff intensified last month when Brazil denied visas to two State Department officials from the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor. Brazil said the officials planned to question the country's electoral system, calling the trip an unacceptable attempt to interfere in its domestic affairs.

The State Department said the United States responded after weeks of delays and what it described as restrictions on routine diplomatic work.

"Basically we've had a situation in which our diplomats were being denied the ability to do routine common work between the two countries," the official said. "We've taken reciprocal action with respect to a Brazilian diplomat here to make the point that it can't always be one-sided."

The dispute has become the latest flashpoint in deteriorating relations between Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Both governments have accused the other of interfering in domestic politics, with U.S. officials criticizing Brazil's treatment of conservatives and Lula accusing Washington of trying to influence Brazil's October presidential election.

The diplomatic tensions have also spilled into trade. Last month, the United States imposed a 25% tariff on several Brazilian products, citing unfair trade practices. Lula accused allies of former President Jair Bolsonaro of helping trigger the tariffs, an allegation they have denied.

Despite the escalating dispute, the State Department said Washington remains committed to maintaining a productive relationship with Brazil but did not rule out additional retaliatory measures if the impasse continues.