Trump Revokes Visa of Brazilian Ambassador Over Envoy Dispute

The Trump administration revoked the visa of Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, Brazil's ambassador to the U.S., on August 4, 2026. U.S. officials characterized the action as a reciprocal measure following Brazil's refusal to grant visas to two senior State Department officials, including Riley Barnes, and the Brazilian government's delay in approving Daniel Perez as the U.S. ambassador to Brasilia. The U.S. government stated that Viotti's visa will be restored once Brazil approves the appointment of Perez.

This diplomatic conflict coincides with heightened tensions over U.S. tariffs on Brazilian goods, which range from 25% to 37.5%, and the U.S. designation of Brazilian drug-trafficking groups as foreign terrorist organizations. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned the tariffs as an attack on Brazilian sovereignty.

President Lula further alleged that these measures are attempts to influence Brazil's October 4 election in favor of his opponent, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, who is a close ally of Donald Trump. The United States Department of State has denied these allegations of election interference.