Geopolitics / US Revokes Brazilian Ambassador’s Visa amid Diplomatic Row

Washington, Aug 5: The United States has revoked the visa of Brazilian ambassador to Washington, Maria Luiza Viotti, intensifying a growing diplomatic dispute between the two nations.

According to US media reports on Tuesday, the move was in direct response to Brazil’s refusal last month to grant visas to two US diplomats and its delay in approving the Trump administration’s nominee for ambassador to Brazil.

In June, President Donald Trump nominated Daniel Perez as the next US envoy to Brazil. His appointment, however, remains stalled as the US Senate has yet to confirm the nomination and Brazil has withheld its approval. A senior State Department official stated that Viotti’s visa could be reinstated if the dispute is resolved.

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Brazil’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the US decision, noting that Viotti was in Brazil when she was notified of the revocation. The tensions come amid Washington’s recent imposition of new visa restrictions on Brazilian officials and criticism of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court over judicial investigations.

Trade relations have also soured, with the US announcing tariffs of up to 37.5 per cent on thousands of Brazilian exports, citing alleged unfair practices and forced labour.

Brazil’s government rejected the accusations, calling the tariffs politically motivated and pledging to defend its interests through diplomatic dialogue and, if necessary, via the World Trade Organization.

The dispute escalated further in July when Brazil denied visas to two senior US State Department officials — Riley M. Barnes and Samuel Samson — who had planned meetings with presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro, electoral authorities, and right-wing figures. Brazil argued their visit could undermine confidence in its electoral system.

With diplomatic, judicial, and trade tensions converging, the standoff underscores the fragile state of US-Brazil relations. Both sides now face mounting pressure to de-escalate and restore cooperation.

(IANS)