The Trump administration has revoked the visa of Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, Brazil’s ambassador to the US, marking a significant escalation in a diplomatic feud with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
According to the US State Department, the cancellation of Viotti’s visa is in retaliation for Brazil’s refusal to approve the Trump administration’s nominee for ambassador in Brasília, Daniel Perez. It also cited Brazil's decision last month to deny visas to two US diplomats who sought to visit ahead of an October election.
The Trump administration has not expelled Viotti, a former senior United Nations official, but Washington has indicated that further diplomatic action could follow if Brasília continues to withhold approval for Perez. A State Department spokesperson stated that the ambassador’s visa could be restored if Brazil accepts Perez’s appointment, describing the action as reciprocal.
Brazil swiftly condemned the US action, with Lula’s office stating it is part of a deliberate escalation of hostile measures against Brazil, motivated by ideological reasons. Brazil also accused the US of breaching diplomatic norms by announcing Perez’s nomination before seeking Brasília’s consent, noting that consideration of the appointment was ongoing and no decision would be made before the first round of the election on 4 October.