Washington, August 5: Diplomatic tensions between the United States and Brazil are escalating. In a significant move, the U.S. has revoked the visa of Brazilian Ambassador Maria Luiza Viotti.
According to reports from American media, this decision comes in response to Brazil’s refusal to grant visas to two U.S. diplomats last month and the lack of approval for the Trump administration’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Brazil.
In early June, President Donald Trump nominated Daniel Perez as the next U.S. Ambassador to Brazil. However, the U.S. Senate has yet to confirm his nomination, and he cannot assume the role until Brazil approves it, as reported by the news agency Xinhua.
A senior official from the U.S. State Department indicated that if the dispute is resolved, the visa for the Brazilian ambassador could be reinstated.
The Brazilian Foreign Ministry confirmed this development to the Brazilian media outlet GloboNews. Reports indicate that Viotti was in Brazil when she received the news about her visa cancellation.
Notably, in recent weeks, Washington has announced new visa restrictions against Brazilian officials and criticized decisions related to high-profile judicial investigations by Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court.
Tensions between the two nations have also escalated on the trade front. The U.S. has announced new tariffs on Brazilian products, while Brazil has stated it will protect its interests through diplomatic negotiations and, if necessary, via the World Trade Organization.
Earlier in July, Brazil rejected visa applications from two U.S. State Department officials. Brazil was concerned that their visit could assist groups questioning the country’s electoral system.
The officials in question were Riley M. Barnes, Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, and Samuel Samson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the same bureau.
Reports indicate that both submitted their visa applications to the Brazilian government on July 20. They planned to meet with Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro and a presidential candidate, as well as officials from Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court and right-wing leaders.
A spokesperson for Brazil’s Foreign Office stated that Barnes and Samson requested visas on July 20, which were subsequently denied.
The Trump administration has also increased tariffs on thousands of Brazilian export products by up to 37.5%. Washington claims these measures aim to address Brazil’s failure to combat unfair trade practices and forced labor. The Lula administration has rejected both accusations, asserting that the tariffs are an attempt to influence Brazil’s political climate.
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