The Trump administration has revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador to the United States, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, in retaliation for Brazil's earlier denial of visas to two American diplomats and its delay in approving President Trump's nominee for ambassador to Brasilia. The State Department characterized the move as a reciprocal response, noting that the decision had been postponed multiple times to allow Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva an opportunity to reconsider.
Officials indicated that the visa revocation could be reversed if Brazil takes the necessary steps, including accepting the U.S. ambassadorial choice. Former Florida House Speaker Danny Perez was nominated for the ambassador post in June, but Brazil had reportedly signaled it would not act on the appointment until after the upcoming October election.
Brazil's government had also denied visas last month to Riley Barnes, the assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights, and labor, and a top aide. The U.S. stated the diplomats intended to visit to discuss "election integrity," religious freedom, and freedom of expression with various Brazilian officials and leaders, refuting any insinuation of a plot to undermine the election.
The relationship between the Trump administration and the Lula government has been marked by disagreements on various policies, particularly concerning Venezuela and Cuba. Trump has also expressed support for Jair Bolsonaro, Lula's predecessor and the father of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, who is Lula's main opponent in the upcoming election. Senator Bolsonaro and his brother visited U.S. officials, including President Trump, in late May. Following this visit, the Trump administration designated Brazil's major drug-trafficking organizations, First Command Capital and Red Command, as foreign terrorist organizations, a move opposed by Lula.
Additionally, the Trump administration imposed tariff hikes of up to 37.5% on thousands of Brazilian exports, which went into effect on Friday. The U.S. cited unfair competition practices and alleged failure to stop forced labor by Brazil, accusations rejected by the Lula administration as attempts to influence the election in favor of Senator Bolsonaro.
Ambassador Viotti is not being expelled from the United States despite the visa revocation. She previously served as a senior United Nations official. A top Brazilian diplomat had indicated that the government was anticipating a response from the U.S. regarding the visa situation and noted that the U.S. government initiated the process to send Perez to Brasilia before seeking Brazil's approval, deviating from standard diplomatic protocol.