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Visa revocation escalates row
The United States revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador in Washington, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, as Washington said it was responding to Brazil’s denial of visas to several U.S. diplomats and withholding diplomatic approval for President Donald Trump’s nominee as U.S. ambassador to Brasilia.
“described the US move against Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti as "irresponsible and reckless."”
A senior State Department official said the visa would be restored if the situation is resolved, while Reuters reported the move followed Brazil withholding formal approval for Daniel Perez and denying visas to two American diplomats.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned the U.S. decision, telling Meteoro Brasil that the U.S. move against Viotti was "irresponsible and reckless" and insisting, "No one should think they can interfere from the outside to influence our elections."
Lula also said he would not receive any foreign ambassadors until after the October 4 general election, adding, "Only after the election will I receive an ambassador from any country in the world."
Reciprocity and election interference
In Washington’s account, the visa revocation was framed as a reciprocal response to Brazil’s actions, with a senior official saying, "Basically we've had a situation in which our diplomats were being denied the ability to do routine common work".
The dispute is tied to Brazil’s October election, with Brazil saying the denied U.S. visitors sought to cast doubt on the electoral system, which it described as an "unacceptable attempt to interfere in the national political process".
Lula said the U.S. should not interfere, warning, "We want to be treated with respect," and he rejected criticism of Brazil’s electronic voting system by arguing, "Instead of questioning our voting machines, they should copy our system."
The U.S. denied allegations of interference, saying the planned visit was intended to discuss "election integrity, religious freedom and freedom of expression," while Lula argued Washington’s actions were political retaliation rather than diplomatic norms.
What happens next for diplomacy
The visa revocation did not mean the ambassador was being expelled, with CBS News reporting that the visa for Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti would be reinstated immediately if Brazil grants diplomatic approval, known as agrément, for Daniel Perez.
“would be reinstated immediately if Brazil grants diplomatic approval, known as agrément, for President Trump's nominee”
CBS News said Brazil withheld approval for Perez, preventing him from taking up the post, and quoted a senior official saying the dispute came after Brazil signaled it would likely delay "until after their election there, which is a long time coming."
Brazil’s government condemned the move, saying the justifications were "false," and it argued the U.S. announced its pick for ambassador before submitting a request to Brazil, as the name of a proposed ambassador should be made public only after consent has been granted.
As the diplomatic standoff continues, Lula said Brazil will confront outside interference in the October 4 election, stating, "Brazil is not only prepared, but will confront anyone from outside who tries to interfere in our electoral process," while the U.S. official said Washington wants a return to a "normal, productive, transparent relationship" with Brasilia.
