The Donald Trump administration has revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador to the U.S., Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti – a move that reflects growing diplomatic tensions between the two countries. This decision by the U.S. comes in response to Brazil's refusal to approve the new American ambassador's nomination, as well as Brazil's unusual diplomatic maneuvering concerning American diplomats.
In July, Brazil denied entry to two high-ranking State Department officials: Assistant Secretary of State Riley Barnes and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Samuel Samson. Both work for the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. Officially, according to the American side, the visit was planned to discuss electoral integrity, religious freedom, and freedom of speech. However, Brazil viewed this as an attempt to interfere in its internal affairs ahead of the October elections.
The key stumbling block is the accreditation of Daniel Perez as the U.S. ambassador to Brazil. Trump announced his nomination on June 1 without prior consultation with Brazil, a move that violated international diplomatic practice. Perez is the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives and a close associate of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Brazil refused to grant him agrément, stating that the approval process should be confidential and initiated under appropriate conditions. According to Brazilian authorities, there are no set deadlines in international law for granting consent to an ambassador's accreditation.
The U.S. is prepared to reinstate Viotti's visa if Brazil agrees to accept Perez as ambassador. However, American officials are skeptical about the possibility of resolving the conflict in the near future. “It's unlikely to happen before the October elections,” administration representatives stated. It is important to clarify that Viotti is not being expelled from the U.S.; she can remain in the country, but without a visa, she will lose her diplomatic status. The ambassador is expected to return home.
Against the backdrop of this diplomatic dispute, political tensions are escalating within Brazil itself. The main candidates for the October 4 elections are incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The Trump administration openly supports the younger Bolsonaro's candidacy.
The conflict between the U.S. and Brazil has deeper roots. Previously, the Trump administration designated two major Brazilian drug gangs as foreign terrorist organizations. Additionally, the U.S. imposed increased tariffs on Brazilian exports, accusing the Brazilian government of unfair trade practices.
Jair Bolsonaro, the former president and father of Lula's main opponent, is currently serving a sentence under house arrest. In September 2025, he was sentenced to 27 years and 3 months in prison for planning a coup d'état. Despite this, the former president continues to criticize Brazil's electronic voting system, which heightens official concerns about the integrity of the upcoming elections. The Bolsonaro family, including Jair, maintains close ties with Washington, leaving no doubt about the political calculations of both sides.
