The Trump administration has revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to the United States, citing what it described as a reciprocal response to Brazil’s refusal to grant visas to two American diplomats and its continued delay in approving President Donald Trump’s nominee as US ambassador to Brazil.

US officials said the decision followed repeated efforts to allow the Brazilian government time to reverse its position. While Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti will not be expelled from the United States, Washington indicated that the move could be reversed if Brazil approves Trump’s nominee for the ambassadorial post in Brasilia.

US Cites Reciprocity for Visa Revocation

A State Department official said the decision was based on the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations.

“Reciprocity is the name of the game,” the official said.

Although Viotti’s visa has been revoked, the official clarified that she is not being ordered to leave the United States. She could resume her official duties if the Brazilian government accepts Trump’s nominee, former Florida House Speaker Danny Perez, as the next US ambassador to Brazil.

According to US officials, Brazil is unlikely to approve Perez’s appointment before the country’s October election.

Diplomatic Dispute Intensified Last Month

The latest action follows Brazil’s decision last month to deny visas to US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour Riley Barnes and one of his senior aides.

Brazilian authorities reportedly acted after media reports suggested the officials intended to criticise President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva or Brazil’s electoral process during their visit.

The US State Department rejected those claims, saying the officials had planned to visit Brasilia from July 27 to 30 for routine meetings with government representatives, religious leaders and civil society groups.

According to the department, the agenda included discussions on election integrity, religious freedom and freedom of expression.

“Any insinuation of a ploy to undermine a democratic nation’s election is a baseless lie,” the State Department said.

Election Adds to Strained Relations

The diplomatic dispute comes ahead of Brazil’s presidential election on October 4, where Lula is set to face Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

The Trump administration has maintained close ties with the Bolsonaro family and has hosted Flávio Bolsonaro and his brother Eduardo Bolsonaro in Washington.

The two met Trump and other US officials in late May.

Soon afterwards, the United States designated Brazil’s two largest drug trafficking organisations, First Command Capital and Red Command, as foreign terrorist organisations, a move opposed by Lula’s government.

Trade and Political Differences Deepen Rift

Relations between Washington and Brasilia have also been strained by trade disputes.

The Trump administration recently imposed tariffs of up to 37.5 per cent on thousands of Brazilian exports, with the measures taking effect on Friday.

Washington has accused Brazil of unfair trade practices and inadequate efforts to combat forced labour.

Lula’s administration has rejected both allegations, arguing that the measures are politically motivated and intended to influence the outcome of the presidential election in favour of Flávio Bolsonaro.

Jair Bolsonaro, who has repeatedly questioned Brazil’s electronic voting system without presenting evidence, is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence for his role in an attempted coup.

Although Flávio Bolsonaro has previously echoed some of those concerns, he avoided raising the issue when his Liberal Party formally confirmed him as its presidential candidate in São Paulo on Saturday.

The dispute over diplomatic appointments and visas has added to broader tensions between the United States and Brazil, with disagreements over trade, security and the upcoming election continuing to strain bilateral relations.

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