The United States has revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to Washington, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, deepening a diplomatic dispute between both countries ahead of Brazil’s presidential election.
A US State Department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the decision would be reversed if Brazil approves President Donald Trump’s nominee, Daniel Perez, to serve as the next US ambassador to Brasilia.
Trump nominated Perez, a senior Republican politician from Florida, in June.
Although his appointment is still awaiting confirmation by the US Senate, he cannot assume office until the Brazilian government gives its approval.
“We believe the Brazilian government should give a prompt and positive response to our request,” the official said.
The State Department, however, clarified that Viotti has not been declared persona non grata and is not being asked to leave the United States.
Brazil quickly condemned the move, describing it as another step in the growing diplomatic tension between the two countries.
In a statement, the office of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said the visa revocation was “part of a deliberate escalation of hostile measures against Brazil” driven by ideological differences.
The latest dispute comes just months before Brazil’s October presidential election, where incumbent President Lula is expected to face right-wing candidate Flavio Bolsonaro.
The tension follows Brazil’s recent refusal to grant visas to two US officials who planned to meet with the country’s electoral authorities.
A Brazilian diplomatic source said the visas were denied over concerns the visit could be used for political purposes.
At the time, the US State Department said the officials intended to discuss election integrity, religious freedom and freedom of expression with government officials, religious leaders and other stakeholders.
The spokesperson dismissed suggestions that the visit was aimed at influencing Brazil’s elections, describing such claims as baseless.
The disagreement also comes amid renewed criticism of Brazil’s electronic voting system by Flavio Bolsonaro, echoing claims previously made by his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Jair Bolsonaro was barred from contesting elections in 2023 after making similar allegations while in office.
He was later convicted over a plot to overturn the 2022 election result and is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence under house arrest.
