US-Brazil Tensions: Trump Administration Revokes Brazilian Ambassador’s Visa in Washington; Lula Denounces Deliberate Escalation

The diplomatic clash between Washington and the government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has deepened after the Donald Trump administration revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to the United States, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti.

The US State Department presented the measure as a response to two decisions by Brazil: its refusal to approve Daniel Perez as Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Brasília and its failure to issue visas to two American diplomats who intended to travel to Brazil ahead of the October elections.

US officials said Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti’s visa could be reinstated if the Brazilian authorities accept Perez’s appointment. Washington also warned that further diplomatic action could be taken if no solution is reached.

The Brazilian government opposed the decision, describing it as part of the pressure being exerted on Brazil and an attempt to influence the electoral process.

President Lula’s office said this was not an isolated incident, but rather a deliberate escalation of hostile measures against Brazil.

Brazil’s presidential election is also at the center of tensions between the two countries. Lula is expected to seek another term against Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro and a political ally of Trump.

In recent months, relations between Washington and Brasília have also been strained by other issues, including US tariffs on Brazilian exports, disagreements over Venezuela and Cuba, and allegations of interference in political processes.

Despite the tensions, the US State Department emphasized that the objective remains to restore a “normal, productive and transparent” relationship with Brazil.