The Trump administration has revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to the United States, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, escalating a diplomatic dispute between the two nations. The State Department announced the action, stating that Brazil had continually delayed and obfuscated after weeks of communication.
While Viotti has not been declared persona non grata, she would be required to reapply for a visa if she leaves the U.S. The State Department indicated that further diplomatic measures are possible if Brazil continues to delay or refuse to approve Danny Perez, the former Florida House Speaker and President Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Brazil. Viotti could resume her duties if Brazil approves Perez.
This action is described as reciprocal, following Brazil's decision last month to deny visas to two U.S. diplomats: Riley Barnes, the State Department's Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, and one of his aides. The State Department stated the pair intended a routine visit focused on election integrity, religious freedom, and freedom of expression, refuting claims of criticizing Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva or the electoral process.
The diplomatic friction occurs as the U.S. administration has also imposed tariffs of up to 37.5% on numerous Brazilian exports and designated two major Brazilian drug-trafficking organizations as foreign terrorist organizations. Brazil is preparing for an election on October 4, where Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, is set to face President Lula da Silva.