On Tuesday, August 5th, 2026, the U.S. State Department revoked the visa of Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, the Brazilian ambassador to the United States, amid rising diplomatic tensions. Viotti has served as Brazil’s ambassador since June 2023.

The State Department described the visa revocation as a “reciprocal action” in response to the Brazilian government’s delay in approving Daniel Perez, President Trump’s nominee for U.S. ambassador to Brazil. Perez, the Speaker of the Florida House, was nominated in early June but has yet to receive Brazil’s formal approval, known as "agrément."

A State Department spokesperson emphasized President Trump’s authority to select U.S. representatives abroad and rejected any foreign interference in U.S. domestic processes.

The Brazilian government contested the U.S. justification, stating that the Trump administration announced Perez’s nomination publicly before formally requesting agrément from Brazil.

This diplomatic friction follows recent U.S. trade actions, including Trade Representative Jamieson Greer’s announcement last month of 25 percent tariffs on certain Brazilian imports. Greer cited concerns over Brazil’s digital trade policies, enforcement of anti-corruption measures, and retaliatory tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

The office of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva issued a statement repudiating the U.S. decision to revoke Ambassador Viotti’s visa.

Sources