The United States has revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to Washington, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, escalating a diplomatic dispute between the two countries just months before Brazil’s presidential election.
A US State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity said the decision would be reversed if Brazil approved President Donald Trump’s nominee, Daniel Perez, as the next US ambassador to Brasilia.
“We think the government of Brazil owes us a prompt and positive answer to our request,” the official said.
Trump nominated Perez, a prominent Florida Republican, in June. Although the appointment still requires Senate confirmation, he cannot assume the role without formal approval from the Brazilian government.
The State Department stressed that Viotti had not been declared persona non grata and would not be required to leave the United States.
Brazil condemned the decision, describing it as a politically motivated escalation in already strained relations.
“Today’s decision is not an isolated incident. It is part of a deliberate escalation of hostile measures against Brazil, motivated by ideological reasons,” the office of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said in a statement.
The diplomatic row comes ahead of Brazil’s October presidential election, where incumbent President Lula is expected to face right-wing challenger Flavio Bolsonaro.
Tensions have intensified in recent weeks after Brazil refused visas to two US officials seeking meetings with election authorities. Brazilian officials cited concerns over the “risk of political exploitation.”
The US State Department said the officials had planned to discuss “election integrity, religious freedom and freedom of expression” with government representatives and civil society groups.
“Any insinuation of a ‘ploy’ to undermine a democratic nation’s election is a baseless lie,” a State Department spokesperson said.
The visa dispute follows 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 after making similar allegations while in office and was later convicted of plotting a coup following his previous election defeat. He is currently serving a 27-year sentence under house arrest.
