The Trump administration has revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to the United States, Brazilian Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, escalating diplomatic tensions between Washington and Brasília.

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department told Fox News Digital, "We communicated continually with the Brazilian government for weeks and have given the Brazilian government every opportunity to do the right thing, yet they have continually delayed and obfuscated."

The spokesperson clarified that Ambassador Viotti has not been declared persona non grata but would need to reapply for a visa if she leaves the U.S. According to The Associated Press, Viotti is not being expelled and could resume her duties if Brazil approves former Florida House Speaker Danny Perez, President Donald Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Brazil.

This visa revocation follows Brazil’s denial of visas to two American diplomats last month and delays in approving Perez’s nomination. The State Department described the action as reciprocal and indicated that further diplomatic measures could be taken if Brazil continues to delay or refuses to approve Perez.

The State Department also stated that the American diplomats planned a routine visit to Brazil focused on election integrity, religious freedom, and freedom of expression, rejecting claims that their visit intended to criticize Brazilian President Lula or the election process.

Sources