The United States revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, on Tuesday, August 5th, 2026, escalating diplomatic tensions just months before Brazil's presidential election. A US State Department official, speaking anonymously, said the visa revocation would be reversed if Brazil approves President Donald Trump's nominee, Daniel Perez, a Florida Republican, as the new US ambassador to Brazil.
Perez's nomination, made in early June 2026, still requires confirmation by the US Senate, but he cannot assume the post without Brazil's approval. The official emphasized, "We think the government of Brazil owes us a prompt and positive answer to our request."
Brazil clarified that Ambassador Viotti was not declared persona non grata and was not forced to leave the United States. However, the office of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva described the US action as "part of a deliberate escalation of hostile measures against Brazil, motivated by ideological reasons."
This diplomatic row follows Brazil's denial of visas to two US officials who intended to visit Brasilia to discuss "election integrity, religious freedom and freedom of expression" with government officials and religious leaders. The visa denial came after Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, renewed unfounded claims questioning the security of Brazil's electronic voting system. These claims echo former President Jair Bolsonaro's similar accusations, which led to his 2023 disqualification from running for office by electoral authorities.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the US and Brazil amid the politically charged environment ahead of Brazil's closely watched elections.
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